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–+ servings
Sourdough Starter

Sourdough Starter Recipe

Jennifer Ryan
Ready to bake? Create your own sourdough starter! Easy, fun, and perfect for delicious homemade bread.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 7 days
Total Time 7 days
Course Bread
Cuisine British
Servings 1 Starter
Calories 182 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
 
 

  • 50 Grams Plain flour White bread flour, or whole grain wheat flour are also great choices
  • 50 Grams Filtered water

Instructions
 

Day 1: Mixing the Starter

  • In a clean glass jar, combine 50 grams of plain flour with 50 grams of filtered water. Stir well until thoroughly combined, ensuring no dry flour remains. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or place a lid on top loosely .
    50 Grams Plain flour, 50 Grams Filtered water
    Sourdough Starter

Day 2: Feeding the Starter

  • Check the mixture. You may not see much change, which is normal. Discard half of the starter (about 50 grams) and add another 50 grams of plain flour and 50 grams of filtered water. Mix well and cover loosely again.

Day 3: First Signs of Life

  • By now, you may notice some bubbles forming on the surface of the starter. It may have a slightly sour smell. Discard half of the starter again and feed it with another 50 grams of flour and 50 grams of water. Mix well and cover.
    Sourdough Starter

Days 4-7: Daily Feeding

  • Continue to discard half of the starter and feed it with 50 grams of flour and 50 grams of water daily. Stir well after each feeding and keep it covered loosely. You should start to see more activity with bubbles increasing.

Maintenance:

  • Once your starter is active (typically by day 5-7), you can reduce the feeding to once every 12 hours if kept at room temperature, or once every 3-4 days if stored in the fridge. Always discard a portion of the starter before feeding to maintain its health and vigor.
    Sourdough Starter

Using Your Starter:

  • Your sourdough starter is ready to use when it's active, doubles in size within 4-6 hours after feeding, and has a pleasant tangy aroma. To track its growth, mark the height of the starter with a rubber band or a board marker. Use it in your favorite sourdough bread recipes!
    Sourdough Starter

Notes

Tips and Notes
  • Container: Use a non-reactive container like glass or food-grade plastic. Avoid metal containers as they can react with the acidic nature of the starter.
  • Consistency: The starter should have the consistency of thick pancake batter. Adjust flour or water as needed to achieve this consistency.
  • Patience: It may take 5-7 days for your starter to become fully active. Be patient and consistent with daily feedings.
  • Temperature: Keep the starter at a consistent room temperature (around 21-24°C) for optimal fermentation.
    Enjoy the process of cultivating your own sourdough starter!

Nutrition

Calories: 182kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 5gFat: 0.5gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.04gSodium: 4mgPotassium: 54mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.1gCalcium: 9mgIron: 2mg
Keyword bread, sourdough, sourdough bread, starter
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