Sourdough Starter Recipe

Sourdough Starter Recipe

Creating a sourdough starter from scratch is a rewarding process that allows you to bake delicious sourdough bread and other baked goods. Here’s a simple and effective recipe to get you started.

Ingredients

Day 1:

60 g (1/2 cup) whole wheat flour

60 g (1/4 cup) water (room temperature)

Days 2-7 (daily feeding):

60 g (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour or bread flour

60 g (1/4 cup) water

Supplies Needed

A clean glass jar (at least 1 quart)

A digital scale (for accurate measurements)

A rubber spatula or spoon for mixing

A breathable cover (like a cloth or loose lid)

Instructions

Day 1: Create the Starter

In your glass jar, combine 60 g of whole wheat flour and 60 g of water.

Mix thoroughly with a fork until smooth; the consistency should be thick and pasty.

Cover the jar loosely with a cloth or lid to allow airflow while keeping contaminants out.

Place the jar in a warm spot (around 70-75°F or 21-24°C) for 24 hours.

Day 2: Stir and Check for Activity

After 24 hours, stir the mixture to incorporate air.

You may not see much change yet, but that’s okay! Cover again and let it rest for another 24 hours.

Days 3-7: Feed the Starter

Day 3: Discard half of your starter (about 60 g). Add 60 g of all-purpose flour and 60 g of water, mixing well. Cover and let it rest.

Day 4: Repeat the discard and feed process.

Day 5: Again, discard half and feed with the same amounts.

Day 6: Continue the process as before.

Day 7: By this point, your starter should be bubbly and have doubled in size after feeding. If it hasn’t, continue feeding for a few more days until it becomes active.

Maintenance

Once your sourdough starter is active and bubbly:

Feed it daily if kept at room temperature or once a week if stored in the refrigerator (discard half before each feeding).

Use it in your favorite sourdough recipes!

Tips

Always use filtered or bottled water if possible, as chlorine in tap water can inhibit yeast growth.

You can use different types of flour; whole grain flours like rye or whole wheat can help kickstart fermentation due to their higher nutrient content.

Mark your jar with a rubber band to track growth over time.

This basic sourdough starter recipe is simple and effective, providing you with the foundation needed to enjoy homemade sourdough bread and other delicious baked goods!

End your meal on a sweet note with one of our irresistible(desserts), from classic treats to unique creations.