Sourdough Braids

I can provide you with the recipe for the braids made with sourdough starter. Here’s how you can proceed.

Ingredients

• 500 g 00 flour
• 150 g refreshed sourdough starter
• 200 ml lukewarm milk
• 50 g sugar
• 50 g softened butter
• 2 eggs (1 for the dough and 1 for brushing)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Grated zest of 1 lemon (optional for an aromatic touch)

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, dissolve the sourdough starter in the lukewarm milk.
2. Add the sifted flour and begin kneading.
3. Incorporate the sugar and continue kneading.
4. Add one egg and continue kneading until absorbed.
5. Now add the softened butter in small pieces, the salt, and, if you like, the grated lemon zest.
6. Work the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic (about 10-15 minutes by hand, or 5-7 minutes if using a stand mixer with a dough hook).
7. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place away from drafts for about 3-4 hours, or until doubled in volume.
8. After rising, gently turn the dough out onto a work surface and divide it into pieces of about 80-100 grams each.
9. For each piece, form long ropes and shape them into braids.
10. Arrange the braids on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover them with a cloth, and let them rise for another hour.
11. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
12. Beat the remaining egg and gently brush the braids to give them a nice golden color.
13. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden as desired.
14. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before serving.

Fun Facts

Sourdough braids are a soft, fragrant leavened sweet bread, perfect for breakfast or a snack. Using sourdough starter, a natural leavening agent, ensures a distinctive aroma and texture. In Italy, it is traditional to experiment with various types of leavened sweets, and braids are a wonderful example of how a simple dough can transform into a creation that is as beautiful as it is delicious.