Ben Starr Sourdough Recipe, known as “10-Minute SIMPLER Sourdough (for Lazy People),” has gained attention for its minimalist approach and promise of simplicity. This method is designed for those who want to bake sourdough bread with minimal effort and time. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of Ben Starr’s sourdough recipe, compare it to traditional methods, and provide a thorough assessment of its effectiveness.

What is Ben Starr’s Sourdough Recipe?

ben starr sourdough recipe

Ben Starr’s sourdough recipe is a simplified method that aims to make sourdough bread baking accessible and less time-consuming. The recipe eliminates many traditional steps involved in sourdough baking, focusing on minimal hands-on time. Here’s a breakdown of the recipe:

Key Features

Simplified Method: The recipe skips steps like autolyse, stretch and folds, and pre-shaping.
Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour or high-quality bread flour
- Low hydration (60%)
- Unfed, aged starter
- High salt content (3.5%)

Basic Steps

Mix Ingredients: Combine all ingredients at once.
Bulk Fermentation: Let the dough rise at room temperature for 24 hours.
Shape, Proof, and Bake: Shape the dough, let it proof, and bake on the second day.

Ingredient Breakdown

Flour

Ben Starr’s Recipe: Uses all-purpose flour, specifically from Costco, which is actually high-quality bread flour.
Recommended Flour: King Arthur Bread Flour is a good substitute if you cannot find the specific Costco brand.

Starter

Ben Starr’s Method: Uses an unfed, months-old starter from the refrigerator.
Alternative: Most home bakers use a well-fed, active starter. The unfed starter method may not be practical for everyone.

Hydration and Salt

Hydration: The recipe uses 60% hydration, which is lower than the typical 75%.
Salt: The recipe calls for 3.5% salt, which is higher than usual and can make the bread quite salty.

Step-by-Step Guide to Ben Starr’s Sourdough Recipe

Step 1: Mixing the Dough

Ingredients:
1. 567g King Arthur Bread Flour
2. 364g Filtered Water (60% of flour weight)
3. 113g Unfed Starter (20% of flour weight)
4. 20g Morton’s Kosher Salt (3.5% of flour weight)
Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
2. Mix initially with a spoon until combined.
3. Use your hands to mix further until the dough comes together. This step may take more time if the dough is very dry.

Step 2: Bulk Fermentation

Instructions:
1. Let the dough rise at room temperature (around 73°F or 22°C) for 24 hours or until it has at least doubled in volume.
2. Note that the exact rise time may vary depending on the starter’s activity and room temperature.

Step 3: Shaping and Proofing

Instructions:
1. Turn the dough out onto a countertop.
2. Shape it into a boule using the “turning and dragging” method.
3. Place the shaped dough into a Dutch oven sprayed with non-stick cooking spray or on a silicone mat.
4. Let it proof for 90 minutes at room temperature.

Step 4: Baking

Instructions:
1. Place the Dutch oven with the dough into a cold oven.
2. Set the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and bake with the lid on for 45 minutes.
3. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes to develop a crust.

Comparing Ben Starr’s Method to Traditional Sourdough

Aspect	Ben Starr’s Method	Traditional Sourdough
Flour Type	All-purpose or high-quality bread flour	Typically bread flour or whole wheat flour
Hydration	60%	Usually 70-75%
Starter	Unfed, aged from the refrigerator	Active, regularly fed starter
Salt	3.5%	Usually 1.8-2%
Bulk Fermentation	24 hours at room temperature	4-12 hours, sometimes with cold retardation
Proofing and Baking	No pre-heating; cold start method	Pre-heated oven; often uses bannetons or proofing baskets
Final Texture	Dense, spongy, salty	More open crumb, complex flavor, and balanced salt

FAQs

Is Ben Starr’s sourdough recipe really only 10 minutes of work?

No, the recipe’s hands-on time is closer to 20 minutes. The total process involves mixing, bulk fermenting, shaping, proofing, and baking, which requires more time.

Can I use an active starter instead of an unfed one?

While Ben Starr’s method specifically uses an unfed starter, you could try using an active starter. However, the results may vary, and the dough might rise faster than the recipe suggests.

Why is the salt content so high in this recipe?

The high salt content is intended to slow down fermentation and enhance flavor. However, it results in a very salty bread, which may not be desirable for everyone.

How does the “cold start” method affect the baking process?

The “cold start” method involves placing the dough in a cold oven and then heating it. This approach can yield good results but may affect the final texture and crust color.

Conclusion

Ben Starr’s “10-Minute SIMPLER Sourdough (for Lazy People)” offers a streamlined approach to sourdough baking with minimal hands-on time. While the recipe effectively simplifies the sourdough process, it comes with some trade-offs:

Pros: Minimal effort, fewer steps, and a straightforward method.
Cons: Higher salt content, dense texture, and a less complex flavor profile.

The method is ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance approach to sourdough bread but may not meet the expectations of those looking for a more traditional sourdough experience. Experimenting with different ingredients and techniques could help refine the recipe to better suit individual preferences, Ben Starr Sourdough Recipe.