Flower shaped sourdough bread

Creating a flower-shaped sourdough bread is both a fun and artistic way to present your homemade loaf. Follow this recipe to make a beautiful and delicious sourdough bread with a lovely floral design.

Ingredients:

Sourdough Starter:

• 1/4 cup active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups bread flour
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 cup sourdough starter (from above)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a hint of sweetness)

For Dusting and Shaping:

• Rice flour or all-purpose flour (for dusting)
• A bit of olive oil (for greasing the bowl)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Sourdough Starter

1. Feed Starter:
   • Mix 1/4 cup active sourdough starter, 1/2 cup water, and 1/2 cup all-purpose flour. Cover and let it sit at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or until bubbly and active.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

2. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, mix the bread flour and water. Let it sit for 30 minutes (autolyse).
3. Add Starter and Salt:
   • Add 1/2 cup of your bubbly sourdough starter and salt to the flour-water mixture. Mix until fully incorporated. If using, add the honey at this stage.
4. Knead Dough:
   • Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for about 8-10 minutes.
5. Bulk Fermentation:
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours, performing stretch and fold techniques every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

6. Pre-shape the Dough:
   • Gently turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round. Let it rest for 20 minutes.
7. Shape into Flower:
   • To create a flower shape, divide the dough into 7 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a small ball.
8. Arrange:
   • On a piece of parchment paper, arrange one ball in the center and the other six around it, slightly overlapping so they stick together during baking. This will form the petals around the center.

Step 4: Final Proof

9. Proof the Dough:
   • Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise for 2-4 hours at room temperature, or until it has doubled in size. Alternatively, you can proof it in the refrigerator overnight for a slower rise and more complex flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

10. Preheat Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a Dutch oven or baking stone inside.
11. Score the Dough:
    • Dust the dough with flour and score it with a sharp knife or razor blade to enhance the flower shape.
12. Bake:
    • Carefully transfer the dough (with parchment paper) into the preheated Dutch oven or onto the baking stone. Cover with the lid (if using a Dutch oven) and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
13. Cool:
    • Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Tips:

• Starter Activity: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before using it.
• Hydration: Adjust the water amount slightly if your dough feels too dry or too sticky.
• Flour for Dusting: Rice flour works well for dusting as it prevents sticking and burns less than wheat flour.

Enjoy your beautifully crafted flower-shaped sourdough bread! This decorative loaf is sure to impress with its stunning appearance and delightful taste.