🌾 Same Day Spelt Sourdough 🌾
Karma's son Dan declared this the BEST sourdough to date. Light, nutty, and perfectly crusty, this loaf is proof that spelt can deliver an airy, open crumb you wouldn't expect in a 100% whole grain loaf. This recipe was born from experimentation, patience, and plenty of bubbles in the starter. If you’re looking for a same-day spelt loaf that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture, here’s exactly how I did it.
Categories: Bread
Ingredients:
- 400 grams Water
- 130 grams ACTIVE Starter
- 10 grams Sea Salt
- 500 grams Whole Grain Spelt Flour
Directions:
1. Mix & Autolyse
Stir together water, starter, and salt until dissolved. Add spelt flour and mix until no dry bits remain. The dough will look shaggy and feel softer than wheat dough — that’s normal. Cover and rest 30–45 minutes.
2. Folds & Strength
Perform 3–4 gentle coil folds or stretch-and-folds over 90 minutes, resting 20–30 minutes in between. Spelt has delicate gluten, so be tender — lift and fold rather than knead.
3. Shape
After the last fold, rest the dough for 20–30 minutes. Lightly flour your counter, tip out the dough, and gently round into a loose ball. Let it sit 15 minutes, then shape into a round or oval and place seam-side up in a floured basket.
4. Proof
Let rise for 1 ½–2 hours at room temperature. Look for a puffy, jiggly dough that springs back slowly when poked. Spelt ferments faster than wheat, so keep an eye on it.
5. Bake
* Preheat oven with Dutch oven inside to 475°F.
* Turn out dough, score, and place inside.
* Bake covered for 20 minutes.
* Reduce heat to 450°F, uncover, and bake another 15–20 minutes until deeply golden and crisp.
✨ The Result
A rustic, airy loaf with a thin crackly crust and nutty depth of flavor. The crumb is open without being too fragile, making it perfect for everything from toast to sandwiches.
💡 Notes
* Always use your starter at peak — bubbly, domed, and alive.
* Spelt proofs fast. Err on the side of slightly under-proofing rather than risk collapse.
* Freshly milled spelt flour may need a touch more water, so adjust as you go.