Nourishing Traditions, One Loaf at a Time

Today, October 24th, is National Food Day, dedicated to raising awareness about healthy, affordable, and sustainable food. This year’s theme, “Eat Real,” encourages us to prioritize whole, unprocessed foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and sustainably raised proteins. We can positively impact our health and the planet by cutting back on sugary drinks, overly salted packaged foods, and factory-farmed meats.

What better way to celebrate this special day than buying a loaf of Abigail’s Oven REAL™ Sourdough or baking your own delicious, homemade sourdough bread?

Why Sourdough?

Sourdough bread has been a staple food for centuries with its distinctive tangy flavor and chewy texture. It’s a testament to human ingenuity and a connection to our culinary past. Here’s why it’s a perfect choice for National Food Day:

  • Nutrient-Rich: The fermentation process in sourdough bread breaks down complex carbohydrates, making them easier to digest. It also increases the availability of specific vitamins and minerals.
  • Gut-Friendly: Sourdough starters contain beneficial bacteria and yeast that can improve gut health.
  • Sustainable: Sourdough bread is a sustainable choice. It requires minimal ingredients and can be made at home, reducing food waste and packaging.

A Simple Sourdough Recipe to Get You Started

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter, flour, salt, and water. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Cover and allow to rest for 30 minutes.
  2. Stretch and Fold the Dough: Gently pull the edge of the dough upward. Place the stretched dough back into the center of the bowl. Rotate the bowl a quarter turn and repeat. Do this three times.
  3. Second Stretch and Fold: After 30 minutes, repeat the stretch and fold process.
  4. Final Stretch and Fold: After another 30 minutes, do one more round of stretch and folds.
  5. Bulk Fermentation: Cover the dough and let it rise at room temperature until it doubles in size (6-12 hours) or overnight in the fridge.
  6. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place your baking vessel (a covered Dutch oven is best) in the oven to preheat too.
  7. Shape the Dough: Place the dough on a lightly floured surface. Fold the dough into itself, roll it up, and shape it into a tight ball. Turn it over and fold the sides into the center to create surface tension (see how here). Let it rest for 15 minutes, then place the dough on a sheet of parchment.
  8. Score the top of the bread.
  9. Bake: Lift the dough using the parchment paper into your heated baking vessel [450°F (230°C)]. Bake the bread for 35–45 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Tips for Sourdough Success:

  • Feed Your Starter Regularly: Keep your sourdough starter active by feeding it regularly with flour and water.
  • Control the Temperature: The temperature of your kitchen can affect the rise time of your dough. A warmer environment will speed up the process.
  • Experiment with Flours: Try using different types of flour, such as whole wheat or rye, to add flavor and nutrients to your bread.

By baking your own sourdough bread, you’ll be celebrating National Food Day and embracing a more sustainable and nourishing way of eating. Happy baking!

Leave your comments or questions below and share your success on social media using this hashtag: #NationalFoodDay