Easy Lievito Madre Bread

Ingredients

• 100 g lievito madre (active)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon honey
• 300 g all purpose flour or bread flour
• 155 ml water (lukewarm)

Instructions

1. 1

   In a stand mixer add the water, honey and lievito madre broken into pieces, mix to combine. Add the flour and knead one minute then add the salt and knead 5-6 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

2. 2

   On a flat surface form the dough into a ball then place in a lightly oiled bowl turning the dough to lightly coat in the oil. Cover with plastic and let rise 8-10 hours or until doubled in volume.

3. 3

   Move the dough to a flat surface and fold one way then the other (like an envelope) then form in to a ball or a small loaf, place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet, cover and let rise for approximately 4 hours.

4. 4

   Pre-heat oven to 480F / 250C. Place an empty pan at the bottom of the oven. When the oven has pre-heated add a cup of very hot water to the pan before placing the bread on the baking sheet in the oven on the middle rack.

5. 5

   Dust the top of the loaf with a little flour and score. Place in the oven and bake 10 minutes, lower the heat to 425F/220C and bake again for 10 minutes, then lower the heat to 400F/200C and bake again for 10 minutes, if the bread is not done (internal temperature 180 - 210F / 82-99C) then lower the heat to 350F/180C and bake for another 5-10 minutes or until done. Move immediately to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy!