The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

Sourdough Swamp Thing

Vanessa2020's picture
Vanessa2020

Sourdough Swamp Thing

Help!! I’m very new to sourdough so I’m struggling. I’ve read a lot of posts about it and I feel confident about it but the dough isn’t cooperating.

My starter is almost 2 weeks old, but it checks off all of boxes: i used it when it had doubled in size, it had bubbles and the right smell, it floated in water. I made the dough and I know the creation of it is very sensitive so I followed the flour/water/starter ratio as directed. It was super duper wet. I know this is a wet dough so I went with it. By the time I got to the last proof I hoped it would pull together but it spread all over the counter. 

I really think the problem is with the flour - I live in Mexico and the quality of flour available is pretty bad. I’ve struggled to get pizza dough to work as recipes direct, I always need more flour for those recipes. 

so my question is can I keep adding flour without measuring to get a dough that seems to be the right consistency? Any other suggestions?

 

thank you so so much!

Danni3ll3's picture
Danni3ll3

Take water away. Recipes are based on the flour amount but the water quantity is variable according to the absorbency of the flour. If your flour really doesn’t absorb water, try for 60-65% hydration (that includes the water in the starter). If it’s too dry add tiny amount until you have a dough that feels like your earlobe.