How To Make Einkorn Sourdough Bread Recipe In 5 Steps

Spread the love

Introduction

Imagine biting into a slice of warm, crusty sourdough bread with a tender, tangy crumb—crafted from ancient einkorn wheat, the oldest grain known to humanity. This einkorn sourdough bread recipe isn’t just a baking project; it’s a journey back to simpler, wholesome ingredients. Unlike modern wheat, einkorn is packed with protein, antioxidants, and a buttery-nut flavor that’s downright addictive. But here’s the kicker: you don’t need to be a sourdough wizard to master it!

I’ll never forget the first time I baked einkorn sourdough. My kitchen smelled like a rustic European bakery, and my family devoured the loaf before it even cooled. What makes this recipe special? It’s family-friendly, requires just 5 simple steps, and uses minimal ingredients. Think of it as the healthier cousin of my popular Classic Sourdough Recipe, but with a nuttier twist and easier digestion. Ready to bake a loaf that’s equal parts nutritious and delicious? Let’s get started!

What is Einkorn Sourdough Bread?

A freshly baked loaf of Einkorn sourdough bread recipe with a crisp golden crust, sliced to reveal its soft, airy crumb, placed on a rustic wooden surface. — A beautifully crafted loaf of einkorn sourdough bread, baked to perfection with a golden crust and tender crumb—wholesome, natural, and delicious.

Why is it called “einkorn sourdough bread”? Let’s break it down. Einkorn (German for “single grain”) is the OG wheat—unchanged for 12,000 years! And sourdough? That’s your wild yeast starter, bubbling away like a science experiment on your countertop. Combine them, and you’ve got a loaf that’s so rustic, even your hipster barista would approve.

But let’s be real: the name sounds like something a medieval knight would request. (“Hark! Bring me the einkorn sourdough!”) Jokes aside, this bread proves the old saying: “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” (Or, in 2024, the way to anyone’s heart—just add butter.) Ready to bake a loaf that’s equal parts history and deliciousness? Grab your apron!

Why You’ll Love This Einkorn Sourdough Bread Recipe

Nutritious & Digestible: Einkorn’s low gluten content and high protein make it gentler on sensitive stomachs.
Cost-Saving Magic: Skip the $8 artisanal loaf! Homemade einkorn sourdough costs a fraction of store-bought.
Flavor for Days: Toasted sesame seeds, rosemary, or a drizzle of honey take this bread from basic to chef’s kiss.

Compared to my Spelt Sourdough Recipe, einkorn’s nutty flavor stands out, and its simplicity means even newbies can nail it. Ready to bake smarter, not harder? Let’s go!

How to Make Einkorn Sourdough Bread

A rustic flat lay of einkorn sourdough bread recipe ingredients, including einkorn flour, sourdough starter, salt, and water on a wooden surface. — A beautifully arranged selection of simple, wholesome ingredients needed to make einkorn sourdough bread—pure, natural, and perfect for homemade baking.

Quick Overview

This recipe is beginner-friendly, requires 5 active steps, and bakes in 24 hours (mostly hands-off fermentation). The result? A golden, crackly crust with a moist, tangy crumb.

Key Ingredients

500g einkorn flour (stone-ground for best texture)
350ml water (filtered, room temperature)
100g active sourdough starter (learn how to make one here)
10g sea salt

Pro Tip: No einkorn flour? Substitute 20% with whole wheat for a similar nutty flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Feed Your Starter
6-8 hours before baking, mix 50g starter with 100g water and 100g einkorn flour. Let it double in size—it should float in water when ready.

2. Mix & Autolyse
Combine flour and 300ml water. Rest 1 hour (this hydrates the flour and develops gluten).

3. Add Starter & Salt
Mix in starter, salt, and remaining water. Knead 10 minutes until smooth.

4. Bulk Fermentation
Let dough rise 6-8 hours at room temp. Fold every 2 hours for structure.

5. Bake
Preheat Dutch oven to 450°F (230°C). Score dough, bake 20 mins covered, 25 mins uncovered. Cool 1 hour.