If you love the tang of sourdough and the sweetness of honey, you're in for a treat. This Honey Walnut Sourdough Bread combines earthy whole wheat with the nuttiness of walnuts for a loaf that's perfect for any occasion.
Bread flour gives your bread a solid structure, helping it rise nicely with a chewy texture. Whole wheat flour adds a hearty, earthy flavor and increases the bread's nutritional value. The sourdough starter is the magic ingredient that provides the tangy taste and natural leavening. Warm water helps activate the yeast in the starter, ensuring a good rise. Honey adds a touch of sweetness that balances the sourdough flavor beautifully. We add salt to enhance the bread's flavor and control yeast activity. Chopped walnuts add texture and a delightful crunch to each bite. Remember to keep extra flour on hand for dusting during kneading and shaping.
This bread pairs wonderfully with a creamy brie or a sharp cheddar. It's also perfect for making a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich. For breakfast, try it toasted with a smear of butter and a drizzle of honey.
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Combine the bread flour, whole wheat flour, and salt. Give the dry ingredients a good mix with your hands or a whisk to evenly distribute the salt.
In another bowl, mix the sourdough starter, warm water, and honey. Stir it until the honey dissolves and the mixture is smooth. It should smell a bit tangy and sweet.
Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or your hands to combine them until a shaggy dough forms. Then, fold in the chopped walnuts, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Lightly dust your work surface with flour and turn out the dough. Knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This is where you get a little workout!
Grease a large bowl with a bit of oil and place your dough inside. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Once your dough has risen, shape it into a round loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Dust the top of the loaf with flour and use a sharp knife to slash the surface. This helps control how the bread expands during baking.
Bake your loaf in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. It's done when it's golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
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