100% Wholemeal Sourdough Tin

This recipe is from our Shipton Mill head baker Chris, and uses a scalding technique on a small percentage of the flour, which contributes to softness of crumb and longevity of shelf life.

Because it is a 100% wholemeal loaf it is full of honeyed notes flavour from the bran, and has a denser texture.

Our organic stoneground wholemeal which includes Maris Widgeon makes a great loaf with this recipe. Chris originally developed it to be used with heritage grain wholemeal flours (originally our Lammas Fayre stoneground wholemeal), but it could be used with any stoneground wholemeal bread flour. Most heritage grain’s gluten is more delicate than some modern wheat varieties, so make sure your starter is nice and fresh and not too acidic when you come to bake if you’re using heritage wheats. A very acidic starter will start to break the gluten structure down too early.

Makes 1 tin loaf, approximately 1.80kg weight. You will need a 3lb loaf tin.

INGREDIENTS

• 250g boiling water
• 1000g wholemeal flour (or wholemeal spelt)
• 150g sourdough starter
• 550g warm water
• 20g salt

METHOD

Mix 50g of flour for the scald together with the 250g of boiling water, and whisk well. Leave for 15 minutes to cool slightly.

Mix the starter, remaining 950g of flour, the 550g water and the scald mix together until the ingredients are well incorporated. Cover and leave for 30 minutes to autolyse.

Next, add the salt and work this well into the dough. Cover, and leave for 2.5-4 hours, folding the dough every hour. Be gentle when folding as you don’t want to tear the dough too much.

(Sometimes heritage flours can ferment very quickly so if the dough is feeling lively at the second fold check it after 30-45 minutes, as it might be ready. In cold weather however it might take up to four hours, with folds at hours 1, 2 and 3. Keep an eye on the dough and read how it is developing depending on the temperature around you and the type of grain you are using.)

Once ready, dust the top of the dough and then tip it out on to a lightly floured work surface.

Shape the dough to fit your tin, then place it into a lightly greased tin (3 lbs) and leave out for 30 minutes, before placing in the fridge overnight.

The next morning take your tin out of the fridge and preheat the oven to 250°C for at least 30 minutes.

Place your tin in the oven and steam well by spraying in some water on the bottom of the oven. Reduce the temperature to 230°C, and bake for 20 minutes.

Reduce the temperature to 210°C and bake for at least another 20 minutes, longer if you want a darker crust.

Place on a wire rack to cool.