Name: Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 50g active sourdough starter; 350g water; 500g bread flour; 11g salt; 150g fresh blueberries; Zest of a lemon; 113g butter, room temperature (8 Tablespoons); 75g fresh blueberries, mashed (1/2 cup); 45g honey (2 Tablespoons); A pinch of salt

Why Make This Recipe

Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread is a delightful twist on traditional sourdough bread. The combination of zesty lemon and sweet blueberries makes this bread incredibly refreshing. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Plus, using sourdough starter gives it a unique flavor and texture that you can’t get from regular bread.

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How to Make Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread

To make Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread, you need to gather your ingredients and follow some simple steps to create a delicious loaf.

Ingredients

50g active sourdough starter
350g water
500g bread flour
11g salt
150g fresh blueberries
Zest of a lemon
8 Tablespoons butter, room temperature (113g)
1/2 c fresh blueberries, mashed (75g)
2 Tablespoon honey (45g)
A pinch of salt

Directions

In a large bowl, mix the active sourdough starter with water until it is well combined.
Add the bread flour and salt to the mixture. Stir until all the flour is incorporated.
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, lemon zest, and mashed blueberries.
Add the room temperature butter and honey. Mix until the dough is smooth.
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise. The dough should have increased in size by at least 50% and look light and jiggle when shaken.
Once the dough has risen, check that it easily pulls away from the bowl and has visible bubbles both in and on top of it.
Perform a windowpane test by stretching a small piece of dough. It should not tear.
Shape the dough as desired and place it in a proofing basket. Allow it to rise again until puffed up.
Preheat your oven and bake the bread until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread

Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread is delicious when served warm. You can enjoy it plain, spread with butter, or with a drizzle of honey. It also pairs beautifully with cream cheese or yogurt for a tasty breakfast.

How to Store Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread

Store the bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can slice it and freeze it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat it, just toast slices directly from the freezer.

Tips to Make Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread

Use fresh blueberries for the best flavor. If you can’t find them, you can use frozen but be careful as they may stain the dough.
Make sure your sourdough starter is active for the best rise in the bread.
Don’t skip the windowpane test; it helps ensure your dough has developed the right gluten structure.

Variation

You can try adding other fruits such as raspberries or chopped strawberries for different flavors. For a more savory version, consider adding herbs like rosemary for a unique twist.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture and flavor of the bread. You might need to adjust the water content.
How do I know if my sourdough starter is active?
Your sourdough starter is active if it doubles in size within a few hours after being fed and has a pleasant, slightly tangy smell.
What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, you can add small amounts of flour until it reaches a workable consistency, but be careful not to add too much.