what is levain
la methode au levain. Levain is the French term for what we commonly call sourdough.. Using a simple mixture of flour and water to capture wild yeast, the levain is built over a period of days to be strong enough to raise a loaf of bread.There are many methods and procedures to make a levain.Many use various additives such as raisins, honey, hops and cumin, but none of these are necessary.sing a simple mixture of flour and water to capture wild yeast, the levain is built over a period of days to be strong enough to raise a loaf of bread. There are many methods and procedures to make a levain. Many use various additives such as raisins, honey, hops and cumin, but none of these are necessary.