Sourdough Starter Recipe
If you’ve ever wanted to make your own sourdough bread, the first step is creating a sourdough starter. This natural fermentation process relies on wild yeast and bacteria to leaven the dough, giving sourdough its signature tangy flavor. Follow this easy guide to create a sourdough starter from scratch using just flour and water.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- More flour and water for daily feedings
Instructions
- Day 1: In a large jar or bowl, mix 1 cup of flour and 1 cup of water until smooth. Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
- Day 2-5: Every day, discard half of the mixture and feed the remaining starter with 1 cup of flour and 1 cup of water. Stir well and let it sit for 24 hours.
- Day 6: Your starter should be bubbly and doubled in size. If it’s ready, it will have a tangy smell and be full of air bubbles.
- Store the starter in the fridge and feed it once a week to maintain.
Now that you have your starter, try making our Homemade Sourdough Bread for a delicious loaf with a perfect crust and crumb.
FAQs
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose? Yes, whole wheat flour can be used to create a heartier starter.
- How long does a sourdough starter last? If properly maintained with regular feedings, a sourdough starter can last indefinitely.
Conclusion
This easy sourdough starter recipe is the foundation for making fresh, homemade sourdough bread. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a starter that lasts for years. Once you’re ready, bake some bread or even try making sourdough pancakes with your extra starter.
