Method
Day 1 (Evening)
- Mix all the Day 1 ingredients in a large bowl.
- Cover with plastic wrap and a towel.
- Leave to sit at room temperature overnight.
Day 2 (Morning)
- Mix the sourdough from Day 1 with the remaining Day 2 ingredients, except the pecan nuts. Knead until the dough is elastic, either by hand or in a stand mixer.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl. Cover with a towel and let it proof for 3–5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Dust the work surface with flour. Turn out the dough, press it gently to release air, and reshape into a ball.
- Divide the dough into two pieces. Divide the pecan nuts into two portions (100 g / ¾ cup each).
- Flatten one piece of dough into a rectangle. Sprinkle over one third of the pecans (about 30 g / ¼ cup). Fold the dough, stretch slightly, and add another third of the nuts. Fold again, stretch, and add the remaining nuts. Fold together and shape into a ball.
- Repeat with the second piece of dough.
- Dust proofing baskets or bowls lined with a floured kitchen towel. Place each dough ball upside down in a basket or bowl.
- Cover with towels and let proof for 1–1 ½ hours.
- Preheat the oven to 250°C (250°C). If using cast iron pots, heat them in the oven as well.
- Flip the doughs onto parchment paper. Score the tops with a razor or sharp knife.
- Place the loaves on a baking sheet or into the hot pots.
- If baking in pots: bake covered for 25 minutes, then reduce heat to 220°C (220°C) and bake uncovered for 25 minutes more. If baking on a sheet: bake for 30–35 minutes, lowering the heat to 220°C (220°C) after 15 minutes.
- Cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy!