Garlic & rosemary artisan loaf
Home Recipe
👩🏻 Home Recipe 🍳
Occasion & Servings:
150g starter
300g water
450g bread flour
10g of salt
2 tablespoons of roasted garlic
Sprigs of rosemary (as you like)
1. Mix 150g of starter, 300g of water, 450g of flour, and 10g of salt into large bowl
2. Cover mixture for 1 hour and perform 1 set of stretch a folds
3. Perform 3 more sets of stretch and folds 3 min apart
4. Let dough rest for 2 hours
5. Shape dough while adding inclusions
6. Let rest for 20 min
7. Shape dough and place in fridge for at least two hours
8. Preheat oven to 450 degrees with Dutch oven inside
9. Score and cook for 30min
10. Remove lid from Dutch oven and let cook for 20-25 min at 425 degrees. (This will depend on how golden brown you would like your crust)
👨🍳 Chef secrets: spray top of bread with water after preliminary bake. This will assist in blistering and color
Baking a garlic and rosemary artisan loaf at home can be an incredibly rewarding experience. I've found that using a sourdough starter not only enhances the flavor but also creates a beautiful crust and open crumb texture. One additional tip I like to use is incorporating roasted garlic instead of raw garlic, which adds a mellow, rich flavor without overpowering the bread. When it comes to the dough development, the stretch and fold technique mentioned in the recipe is essential. It helps strengthen the gluten network without kneading, making the handling gentler and the crumb lighter. I usually perform four to five sets of stretch and folds spaced over a couple of hours, which has worked exceptionally well for me. Proofing in the fridge after shaping allows the dough to develop complex flavors due to slower fermentation. Before baking, I score the dough to control its expansion, and I’ve noticed that spraying water on the loaf after the initial bake really helps achieve the blistered crust with beautiful color and texture. Lastly, using a Dutch oven mimics a professional steam oven environment, crucial for creating a crispy crust. Preheating the Dutch oven is key, so make sure it’s fully heated to 450 degrees before placing your loaf inside. If you prefer a softer crust, you can adjust the baking time or lower the oven temperature slightly. This recipe is very adaptable—feel free to add your preferred herbs or nuts for a personalized touch. Enjoy the process and the delightful aromas filling your kitchen as your artisan bread bakes to perfection!