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Artisanal Walnut Sourdough Loaf

Two thick slices of freshly baked Walnut sourdough bread showing an open crumb structure filled with walnuts.
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Bake a hearty, nutty sourdough bread with a strong crust and open crumb, perfect for substantial open-faced sandwiches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 100g active sourdough starter
  • 350g warm water
  • 500g bread flour
  • 10g fine sea salt
  • 150g whole walnuts, roughly chopped

Instructions

  1. Mix the active starter, warm water, and flour in a large bowl until just combined. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes (autolyse).
  2. Add the salt to the dough and mix thoroughly until incorporated.
  3. Perform four sets of stretch and folds every 30 minutes during the first two hours of bulk fermentation.
  4. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts during the third set of stretch and folds.
  5. Allow the dough to bulk ferment at room temperature until it has increased in volume by about 30-40% and shows signs of activity.
  6. Shape the dough into a tight boule or batard and place it seam-side up in a floured banneton basket.
  7. Cold proof the dough in the refrigerator for 12 to 18 hours.
  8. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) with a Dutch oven inside for one hour.
  9. Carefully turn the cold dough out onto parchment paper. Score the top surface deeply to encourage oven spring and a good ear.
  10. Carefully lower the dough (using the parchment paper) into the hot Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 20 minutes.
  11. Remove the lid, reduce the oven temperature to 450°F (232°C), and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes until the crust is dark brown.
  12. Cool the loaf completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • For a darker crust and better contrast, bake the final 10 minutes without the lid at 475°F.
  • Soaking the walnuts in hot water for 10 minutes before chopping can help prevent them from sinking during the bake.
  • Use a high-protein bread flour for the best structure in this healthy bread recipe.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/walnut-sourdough-bread-recipe-healthy-nutty/