Sourdough Braids

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

Ingredients

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

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, dissolve the sourdough starter in the warm milk.
2. Add the sifted flour and start kneading.
3. Incorporate the sugar and continue the kneading process.
4. Add one egg and continue to knead until absorbed.
5. Now add the soft 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 with a mixer using 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 it doubles 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 cords and braid them.
10. Place the braids on a baking tray 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 and cook for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
14. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before serving.

Curiosity

Sourdough braids are a soft and fragrant leavened sweet, perfect for breakfast or a snack. The use of sourdough starter, a natural yeast, ensures a special aroma and texture. In Italy, it is a tradition to experiment with various types of leavened sweets, and braids are a fabulous example of how a simple dough can transform into a creation that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.