Sourdough Walnut Bread Recipe: Makes 2 loaves
Ingredients
- 2 cups walnut pieces
- 2 cups active sourdough (starter)
- 2 1/4 cups water
- 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 cups bread flour
Method
Arrange the walnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake them at 350 F, stirring from time to time, until the walnuts are fragrant and lightly toasted. Be sure to watch them very closely. DO NOT let them burn.Once toasted place half the toasted walnuts into a food processor with a few tablespoons of flour and grind them finely. Chop the rest of the walnuts till they are coarsely chopped. Set aside. Mix the sourdough starter with the water. Add flour one cup at a time. Add the salt, ground walnuts, and just enough of the remaining flour to make a thick mass that is difficult to stir. Turn out the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for around 10 minutes, until the dough is elastic and smooth. Add the broken up walnuts a bit at a time and knead in until the dough is again smooth. Shape the dough into a ball, place in a lightly oiled mixing bowl, turn the dough, and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise until doubled in size. Gently deflate the dough, transfer to a floured work surface and knead briefly. Divide into two equal pieces, form the pieces into balls, cover and let rest for 1/2 hour. Shape the loaves as you prefer, and let them rise again, probably around two hours. Preheat the oven to 450F, which should take 45 minutes to an hour with stones in the oven. When the oven is ready, slash the loaves and slide them into the oven. Put a cup or so of hot water into the bottom of the oven. Then let the loaves bake about 25 to 30 minutes.