In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter and lukewarm water. Stir until well mixed.

Add the bread flour and salt to the bowl. Stir until a shaggy dough forms and all the flour is hydrated. You may need to use your hands to fully incorporate the flour.

Once the dough comes together, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rest at room temperature for about 4-6 hours. During this time, the dough will rise and develop flavor.

After the initial rise, lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Shape the dough into a ball by folding the edges towards the center, rotating the dough as you go.

Place the shaped dough onto a piece of parchment paper and cover it loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise for another 1-2 hours, or until it has visibly expanded.

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a Dutch oven or a heavy oven-safe pot with a lid into the oven as it preheats.

Once the dough has finished its final rise, carefully remove the preheated pot from the oven. Remove the plastic wrap from the dough and use the parchment paper to transfer the dough into the pot.

Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife or razor blade to allow for expansion during baking.

Cover the pot with its lid and place it back into the oven. Bake covered for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, remove the lid from the pot and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Once baked, carefully remove the bread from the pot and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your freshly baked sourdough bread!

In order to maintain healthy body functions, protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals and dietary fibers must be taken into the body in sufficient amounts with food. For this, each type of food should be consumed in sufficient quantities and without excess, and diversity should be provided in the diet.

Proteins: Proteins are also called the constructive and restorative food group and are the most abundant nutrient in the structure of the human body. Protein needs must be fully met in order to support psychological and cognitive functions, to perform motor skills and produce the energy required for this, to maintain the healthy production of immune system elements and blood, and to perform many other functions. Protein, which is found in varying amounts in plant and animal foods, increases the amount of protein required for a healthy diet in young people and especially in physically active people and athletes with high levels of physical activity, while the amount of protein required to be taken with food decreases in individuals with a sedentary lifestyle and liver and kidney patients.

Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are the body’s main energy sources; It is found mostly in grains, legumes and fruits. While individuals who want to eat healthy should take care to fully meet their carbohydrate needs, they should meet them from complex carbohydrates (whole grains, legumes, etc.) with high fiber, vitamin and mineral content, instead of refined sugar and purified grains. In this way, weight control can be achieved, while fluctuations in energy and mood can be prevented and blood sugar can be kept under control.

Fats: Fats, another nutrient, are among the food groups most associated with weight gain and should be consumed in moderation. However, in order to maintain body functions without any problems and especially to maintain hormonal balance, the amount of fat the body needs must be met from healthy sources. Processed oils such as animal fats and margarine should be avoided as much as possible, and instead, care should be taken to consume olive oil and fish containing omega 3 fatty acids. While meeting the fat requirement, this is not just about the fats added to foods; It should not be forgotten that foods such as meat, milk and fish contain significant amounts of fat.