Ballerina Farm Sourdough Recipe - Easy Kitchen Guide (2024)

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By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on July 17, 2023 | Last Updated on March 21, 2024

Did you ever try something so delicious that you wanted to make it over and over again? That’s how I feel about the ballerina farm sourdough. This traditional recipe is made with flavorful ingredients. It’s surprisingly simple yet incredibly flavorful and pairs well with a wide variety of dishes.

So, are you interested to learn how to make ballerina farm sourdough? Then you’re in the right place as I share the ingredients, cooking tips, nutrition information, and more!

Ballerina Farm Sourdough Recipe - Easy Kitchen Guide (1)

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What Is ballerina farm sourdough?

Ballerina farm sourdough is a traditional recipe that consists of all-purpose flour, sea salt, and an active starter (a mixture of flour, water, and yeast). The dough is kneaded until it forms a soft ball that can then be shaped into a round loaf or other desired shapes.

It is then allowed to rise before baking. The result is a crusty yet chewy loaf with a mild, tangy flavor that pairs well with many dishes.

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Where Did I First Try ballerina farm sourdough?

I first tried ballerina farm sourdough on vacation when I went to Ballerina Farm in Utah. I had heard about the farm before but had never been there in person. I was excited to try their sourdough bread, and when I did, it did not disappoint!

The crusty yet chewy texture of the loaf was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. The mild tanginess of the dough combined with the nutty flavor from the all-purpose flour was the perfect combination.

I had never thought that such a simple recipe could yield such an amazing flavor! I learned from the baker at Ballerina Farm that they used a wild starter for their dough; it is made up of four basic ingredients (flour, water, salt, and yeast).

The baker also shared with me some tips on how to make the most of my own starter. I was also told that Ballerina Farm uses a traditional method for their bread, which is to allow it to rise overnight.

This process helps develop the flavors and textures in the bread as well as creates a beautiful crust on the outside. After trying Ballerina Farm’s sourdough, I was hooked.

I knew that when I returned home, I would have to try making it myself. And guess what? It turns out that it is surprisingly easy to make. All you need are four simple ingredients: flour, water, salt, and an active starter.

Ballerina Farm Sourdough Recipe - Easy Kitchen Guide (2)

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Ingredients

  • Active starter: In this recipe, an active starter is used in order to give the sourdough its distinctive flavor and texture.
  • All-purpose flour: The all-purpose flour used in this recipe helps to give the bread its characteristic texture and volume. It also helps to create a chewy yet light loaf.
  • Sea salt: The sea salt used in this recipe adds flavor and helps to balance out the tanginess of the active starter.
  • Water: Water is used to hydrate the dough, which helps to create a soft texture. It is important to use cold water when making this bread as it helps to slow down the fermentation process and prevents the dough from rising too quickly.

Cooking Directions

Step 1

In a mixing bowl, combine the active starter, sea salt, and all-purpose flour. Slowly add 735 g. of water while stirring the mixture with your hands. Add an additional 50 g. of water if needed (dough should be relatively soft).

Step 2

Once combined, cover the dough with plastic wrap and allow it to rest at room temperature for at least 4 hours. After resting, divide the dough into two equal-sized pieces.

Shape each piece into a ball and place them in an iron pot that has been lightly greased with oil.

Step 3

Let the dough balls rise in the pot for 1-2 hours. The dough should double in size during this time. Preheat the oven to 500°F/260°C and place a baking stone on the middle rack of your oven.

Place a kitchen scale next to the oven so you can weigh out how much flour to use for the crust.

Step 4

Place the pot in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 400°F/200°C and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove the pot from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing into it.

Cooking Tips

• Dissolve the salt in the water before adding it to the dough – this helps to prevent the salt from forming lumps.

• Knead the dough until it forms a smooth ball – this will ensure that all of the ingredients are evenly combined.

• Allow the dough to rest for at least 4 hours – this gives it time to develop flavor and texture.

• Place a kitchen scale next to the oven – this will allow you to weigh out how much flour to use for the crust.

• Preheat the oven to 500°F/260°C before baking – this temperature helps create a crisp and golden crust on your bread.

What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?

In this recipe, all-purpose flour can be replaced with whole wheat or spelled flour. The active starter can also be substituted for instant yeast if desired. Salt can be omitted entirely or replaced with other herbs and spices to create different flavor profiles.

Additionally, the water quantity may vary depending on the type of flour used; typically, more water is needed when using whole-grain flour than all-purpose flour.

Lastly, the rising time can be adjusted depending on personal preference; a longer rising time will allow for more flavor development while a shorter one will result in a lighter and airier texture.

Ballerina Farm Sourdough Recipe - Easy Kitchen Guide (3)

Ballerina Farm Sourdough Recipe

Did you ever try something so delicious that you wanted to make it over and over again? That’s how I feel about the ballerina farm sourdough. This traditional recipe is made with flavorful ingredients. It's surprisingly simple yet incredibly flavorful and pairs well with a wide variety of dishes.

So, are you interested to learn how to make ballerina farm sourdough? Then you’re in the right place as I share the ingredients, cooking tips, nutrition information, and more!

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Author: Dr. Leah Alexander

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: International

Prep Time: 4 hours hours 35 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 254kcal

Equipment

  • mixing bowl

  • an iron pot

  • kitchen scale

  • Basket, etc.

Ingredients

  • 250 gram active starter
  • 1 kg all-purpose flour
  • 20 gram sea salt
  • 700 ml water another
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the active starter, sea salt, and all-purpose flour. Slowly add 735 g. of water while stirring the mixture with your hands. Add an additional 50 g. of water if needed (dough should be relatively soft).

  • Once combined, cover the dough with plastic wrap and allow it to rest at room temperature for at least 4 hours. After resting, divide the dough into two equal-sized pieces.

    Shape each piece into a ball and place them in an iron pot that has been lightly greased with oil.

  • Let the dough balls rise in the pot for 1-2 hours. The dough should double in size during this time. Preheat the oven to 500°F/260°C and place a baking stone on the middle rack of your oven.

    Place a kitchen scale next to the oven so you can weigh out how much flour to use for the crust.

  • Place the pot in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 400°F/200°C and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

    Remove the pot from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing into it.

Notes

  • Dissolve the salt in the water before adding it to the dough – this helps to prevent the salt from forming lumps.
  • Knead the dough until it forms a smooth ball – this will ensure that all of the ingredients are evenly combined.
  • Allow the dough to rest for at least 4 hours – this gives it time to develop flavor and texture.
  • Place a kitchen scale next to the oven – this will allow you to weigh out how much flour to use for the crust.
  • Preheat the oven to 500°F/260°C before baking – this temperature helps create a crisp and golden crust on your bread.

Keyword: Ballerina farm sourdough, Ballerina farm sourdough recipe

Nutrition Information

One 100g slice contains approximately

  • 239 calories,
  • 47.2g of carbs,
  • 7.3g of protein,
  • 4.2g of fat,
  • 2.7g of dietary fiber, and
  • 0mg cholesterol.

How to Store Leftover ballerina farm sourdough?

Leftover Ballerina Farm Sourdough can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Alternatively, it can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat the bread, simply place it in a 350°F/176°C oven for approximately 10 minutes or until warmed through. Let cool before slicing and serving.

FAQs

Can pregnant women eat this?

Yes, this recipe is safe for pregnant women to eat. Additionally, it is also a good source of dietary fiber and protein.

Can ballerina farm sourdough be vegan?

Yes, this recipe can easily be made vegan by substituting the active starter with instant yeast and omitting the salt. Also, make sure to use plant-based milk instead of water.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The bread is done baking when it has a golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Additionally, an internal temperature of 200°F/93°C should be reached before removing it from the oven.

Wrapping Up

Thanks for reading this recipe on ballerina farm sourdough. This recipe yields a crusty yet chewy loaf that is packed with flavor and pairs perfectly with many dishes. With just four basic ingredients, this bread can be easily recreated at home.

Be sure to use cold water, knead the dough until it forms a smooth ball, and allow for adequate rising time to ensure an amazing outcome. Kindly share the recipe with your friends and family so that they can enjoy it too!

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Author Profile

Dr. Leah Alexander

Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.

Ballerina Farm Sourdough Recipe - Easy Kitchen Guide (2024)

FAQs

What is the best sourdough recipe book for beginners? ›

Ken Forkish's popular book, Flour, Water, Salt, Yeast is a great resource for beginning and intermediate sourdough bakers. It is clearly written and refreshingly more prescriptive than some other sourdough baking resources.

What is the secret to good sourdough bread? ›

Top 10 Tips & Tricks for Making Sourdough
  • Use your sourdough starter at its peak. ...
  • Moisten the surface of the dough before baking for more rise. ...
  • Handle with care: be gentle with your dough. ...
  • Use sifted flour to make your sourdough less dense. ...
  • Soak your flour beforehand for a lighter loaf. ...
  • Just add water for softer sourdough.

What is the best flour for sourdough starter? ›

All-purpose Flour

It strikes a perfect balance of softness and structure, making it an ideal choice for various recipes. Due to its wide availability and affordability, all-purpose flour is often my top recommendation for creating and maintaining a sourdough starter.

What does the perfect sourdough starter look like? ›

Active sourdough starter should have bubbles in it and also smell fresh and fruity. If yours seems a little sluggish, just keep it out of the fridge and step up the feeding schedule. Once you feed it every day for a few days to a week, it should show signs of life again.

Why is sourdough starter so difficult? ›

Essentially making a sourdough starter is not an overly difficult process, but it does require a commitment of time and patience, as well as some dedicated equipment. Sometimes there are factors which mean making sourdough starter could be difficult. Perhaps you're working long hours or go out of town regularly.

What time of day should I start sourdough? ›

A loaf of delicious sourdough bread designed around a busy workday. The levain is prepared for this bread in the morning and left to ripen while you're at work. When you get home, continue with the baking process. The dough can then be baked at night or the next day in the morning, or after work.

How do you make sourdough bread lighter and fluffier? ›

There are several ways to make sourdough bread lighter and less dense, such as:
  1. Increasing the hydration level of your dough, which means adding more water or using less flour. ...
  2. Switching up the type of flour you use, or using a mixture of different flours.
Nov 15, 2015

What makes sourdough bread more flavorful? ›

Generally a more mature and well established starter will produce a more flavorful, sour loaf. Hydration of the Dough - this affects how long your dough will take to ferment. A slightly lower hydration will take longer to ferment than a higher hydration loaf, leading to a bigger depth of flavor and sourness.

Why do you put baking soda in sourdough bread? ›

Baking soda or bicarbonate of soda can be used in sourdough bread to create a less sour loaf. Added after bulk fermentation, but before shaping, it can help to create a lighter, more fluffy loaf of sourdough.

Can I use tap water for sourdough starter? ›

*If making sourdough is new for you, do not be discouraged if you starter takes longer to get active than mine – stick with it, it will happen! *Tap water is usually fine, if you are not sure, use boiled and cooled water, you can use it at room temperature or cool; do not use distilled water.

Is distilled water good for sourdough? ›

Distilled water might seem like a good option, but it's actually not great for your little yeasty friends. They need some minerals and stuff that are usually filtered out in the distillation process. So go for filtered or bottled water instead, and your starter will be living its best life in no time.

Is it OK to use all-purpose flour for sourdough starter? ›

If you do not have whole wheat flour, just use all purpose flour instead. The starter will be fine. I switch to all purpose flour for the feedings because it's reliable, inexpensive and practical for everyday baking (remember, a portion of your starter is removed, discarded, or used for something else).

Do you have to discard sourdough starter every time you feed it? ›

It would be best if you discarded some portion of your starter each time you feed it unless you want to continue to let it grow. Eventually, you need to discard the used “food” (flour and water) that's been used to sustain your starter during the last fermentation period.

Should sourdough starter be thick or runny? ›

Just a note here - it is normal for a sourdough starter to be stiffer when you first feed it and then thin out a little as it ferments. It should however be mousse like and aerated when it peaks. It may become runnier if you then don't feed it and let it go back down.

Should sourdough starter have big or small bubbles? ›

As long as your starter is doubling (or even tripling) in a timely manner after being fed, the size of the bubbles don't really matter too much. What you're looking for is activity and fermentation. Bubbles of any kind are an indication that this is happening inside your jar.

Is making your own sourdough starter better than buying one? ›

If you are new to sourdough baking or don't have the time or inclination to make your own starter, a bought starter may be a good option. However, if you enjoy the process of creating your own starter and want more control over the fermentation process, making your own starter may be the way to go.

How much sourdough starter should I start with? ›

As with any sourdough recipe, before you start baking bread, you want to make sure that your sourdough starter is as strong as possible. What is this? My basic sourdough recipe uses just 50g of starter for 500g of flour (so just 10% of starter).

What is sourdough starter for dummies? ›

A sourdough starter is really just another name for any fermented grain. It's a grain that starts to predigest during the fermentation process, which ultimately makes the flavor more sour. Here are just a few great reasons to make your very own sourdough: Sourdough is delicious.

Is it cheaper to make your own sourdough? ›

So if you look solely at the ingredients, it is cheaper to make your own sourdough. But if you bring other factors into it - it might not be as cheap. This post aims to show you how you can bake a classic sourdough loaf with a little work and no fancy equipment.

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