Baking sourdough bread: nutritious, pure and surprisingly easy

Do you know that feeling… the smell of freshly baked bread slowly wafting through your home? Cosy, homely and deliciously nostalgic. Sourdough bread is more than a trend: it’s a return to basics. And good news, because with a little patience and love you can bake this nutritious bread yourself. Sanne-Marije from Keukenboeren loves nothing more and shares her story – and a handy sourdough baking package with a discount – with us.

A hobby with a mission

Sanne-Marije started baking out of a desire for healthier food. “I wanted to make more myself and became extra motivated when I read about food scandals such as human hair in bread.” Sounds bizarre? Certainly. But it prompted her to take action: making her own bread with pure ingredients.

Why sourdough?

Sourdough bread is different from the 'regular' bread you find in the supermarket. Thanks to the natural fermentation process, the bread not only gets a fuller, more complex flavour, but is also easier to digest. "I bake my bread with just three ingredients: water, flour and salt," says Sanne-Marije. "Without additives, pure nature. And therefore also better tolerated by people who are sensitive to gluten."

Rookie Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

The magic of sourdough starts with a good starter. And that is exactly where things often go wrong. “Without a strong sourdough starter, you don’t get nicely risen bread, but rather pancakes or bricks,” she laughs. Her tip? Provide warmth. Especially in winter, the starter can become sluggish. Then put it in a warm spot – on top of the fridge, for example – and feed it regularly.

How much work is that really?

Don’t worry: maintaining a sourdough starter isn’t a full-time job. “Feeding only takes a few minutes. If you bake regularly, your starter will stay strong.” And if you don’t feel like it or don’t have time? No problem. “You can put the starter in the fridge for a week, freeze it, or even dry it. Then you can reactivate it with a few feedings.”

What do you need to get started?

• A scale
• A mixing bowl
• An oven

You don't need anything else. Sanne-Marije prefers to work with mill-ground flour. "That way you preserve the purity and support the craft." Proving baskets, a dough knife and a cast iron pan are handy, but certainly not a must for beginners.

Baking sourdough bread with Bep

Want to get started yourself? Start with a simple recipe and practice until you get the hang of it. Sanne-Marije: “Use a strong starter, bake in the summer if you can, and don’t compare yourself to professionals on Instagram. Really, practice makes perfect!”

Interested? Sanne-Marije gives workshops in Rotterdam. No time or live too far away? Then you can download her booklet 'Baking sourdough bread with Bep' and get started at home.

But even more fun is the Sourdough baking package that you can order from Haplify Crew Member Keukenboeren. With this you get everything you need to start your first bread.

Sourdough baking package with discount

This is what is included in the baking package:

• Booklet Baking Sourdough Bread – with an easy basic recipe and lots of fun variations
• Wicker proofing basket – 20 cm diameter, for bread dough of 600-900 grams
• Bread knife – with a wooden handle and replaceable blade
• Danish dough whisk – for mixing your ingredients
• Glass preserving jar – with lid for when your sourdough is in the refrigerator
• Organic cotton cloth – for on the sourdough pot, your dough or in the rising basket

While stocks last, a free bag of dried sourdough starter will be added upon request. A descendant of Sanne-Marije's own, faithful Bep who has been serving her faithfully for over 12 years. The package costs €49.95 and with the code SYSOSuperdesem you get a 10% discount in the month of May 2025. Order the package here

Are you ready to bake your own sourdough bread?

Have you ever baked sourdough bread? Or are you eager to get started? Share your experiences and tips below – and who knows, your kitchen might soon smell like the most delicious bread ever!