A Beginner's Guide to Making Sourdough Starter from Scratch

Are you tired of store-bought bread with ingredients you can't even pronounce? Have you ever thought about making your own sourdough loaf, but didn't know where to start? Look no further! In this beginner's guide, we'll show you how to create your very own sourdough starter from scratch. Sourdough bread is not only delicious, but it's also healthier than most store-bought breads as it contains natural yeasts and bacteria that aid in digestion. We'll take you through the step-by-step process of creating your own starter and give you tips on how to care for it. By the end of this article, you'll be on your way to baking your own delicious sourdough bread in no time!

At the bottom of this post is a link for a Sourdough Recipe that will be sure to help you get started and have success at home.

What is sourdough starter?

Sourdough bread is unique because it relies on natural yeasts and bacteria to rise instead of commercial yeast. But how does this process work exactly? This is where sourdough starter comes in. In simple terms, sourdough starter is a mixture of flour and water that has been allowed to ferment and cultivate natural yeasts and bacteria. Once you have a healthy starter, you can mix it with more flour and water to create your dough, and let it rise naturally without any added yeast.

Why make your own?

For those who are new to the world of sourdough, buying a ready-made starter may seem like the easiest option. However, there are many reasons why making your own is the way to go. Firstly, making your own starter is a fun and rewarding process that allows you to truly understand the intricacies of sourdough bread. Plus, it's more cost-effective in the long run, as you'll only need to feed and care for it regularly to keep it going. On top of that, store-bought starters may not be as active or healthy as a homemade one, which can affect the quality and flavor of your bread. By making your own starter, you'll have full control over the ingredients and the end result of your bread, ensuring that it's uniquely yours. With that in mind, let's dive into the basic recipe for making sourdough starter from scratch.

The basic recipe

To get started with making your own sourdough starter, you'll need just two ingredients: flour and water. The ideal ratio is one part flour to one part water, by weight. This means if you use 100g of flour, you should add 100g of water. I don’t overthink this. I am kind of a sloppy measure person when it comes to sourdough. I also don’t weigh mine. I use one cup All-Purpose Flour and 3/4 to 1 Cup of filtered water. Make it simple.

Mix the flour and water together in a large jar or some kind of container until you have a thick, paste-like consistency. Cover the container loosely with a clean towel or loose lid and leave it at room temperature for 24 hours.

After 24 hours, you should see some bubbles forming on the surface of the mixture. This is a sign that the natural yeasts and bacteria in the flour and in the air are beginning to ferment the mixture. From this point on, you'll need to feed the starter regularly to keep it active and healthy.

Caring for your starter

To keep your sourdough starter healthy and active, you'll need to care for it properly. After the initial 24 hours, discard about half your starter and then feed your starter with equal parts flour and water by weight or measurement every 12 hours. As your starter becomes more active, you can increase the amount of flour and water. You will need to do this for 4 or 5 days.

It's important to use filtered or bottled water to avoid chlorine and other additives that can harm the natural bacteria in the starter. Keep your starter in a glass jar with a loose-fitting lid, and store it at room temperature.

If you need to take a break from feeding your starter, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before using it again, discard half of the starter and feed it with fresh flour and water for a few days to revive it.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your sourdough starter healthy and ready to use in your favorite sourdough recipes.

Using your starter in recipes

Now that you have successfully made your sourdough starter from scratch, it's time to put it to use in recipes. Your sourdough starter can be used in a variety of baked goods, including bread, pancakes, waffles, and even pizza crust.

When using your sourdough starter in recipes, it's important to remember that it's a living organism that can affect the flavor and texture of your final product. Take the time to experiment with different hydration levels, flours, and fermentation times to find the perfect balance for your taste and preferences.

To use your starter in bread recipes, mix it with flour, water, and salt to create a dough. Allow the dough to ferment for several hours or overnight before shaping and baking it. For pancakes or waffles, add the starter to a batter made with flour, eggs, milk, and other ingredients. The longer the batter ferments, the tangier the final product will be.

Another great way to use your starter is in pizza crust. Mix together flour, water, salt, and your sourdough starter to create a delicious and flavorful crust. Top with your favorite toppings and bake in a hot oven for a delicious homemade pizza.

Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to using your sourdough starter in recipes. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. With a little practice and patience, you'll be a sourdough master in no time.

Creating your own sourdough starter from scratch is not only an enjoyable experience but also a healthy and delicious way to bake bread. Remember to care for your starter, experiment with different flours and techniques, and watch it grow and develop over time. As you begin to use your starter in recipes, you'll be amazed at the depth of flavor it adds to your baked goods. So, get started on your sourdough journey and let your creativity soar. As the saying goes, "the proof of the pudding is in the eating." Happy baking!

Don’t forget to grab the recipe for your sourdough starting journey below. Click the button and enter an email address and it will arrive in your inbox.

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Sourdough Recipe

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