Beginner Sourdough Starter Recipe
Creating a sourdough starter from scratch is a rewarding experience that connects you to the ancient art of bread-making. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you’ll have a bubbly, active starter ready to bake tangy, crusty loaves and more. Let’s dive into the steps to make your sourdough journey a success!
Servings: 1 serving
Calories:
Equipment
- A small, clean jar or container
- Stirring utensil
- Coffee filter or cloth and rubber band (to cover the jar)
- Kitchen scale (optional, for precise measurements)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Unbleached Whole Wheat Flour Day 1 only
- Unbleached All-Purpose Flour For feedings Days 2-10
- Filtered Water – 1 tablespoon per feeding
Alternatives for Filtered Water:
- Spring Water: Contains natural minerals that nourish your starter.
- Distilled Water + Minerals: Add a pinch of non-iodized sea salt or mineral drops to provide essential nutrients.
Instructions
Day 1: Getting Started
- In a clean jar, combine 1 tablespoon of whole wheat flour and 1 tablespoon of filtered water.1 tablespoon Unbleached Whole Wheat Flour, Filtered Water – 1 tablespoon per feeding
- Stir until a smooth paste forms, with no dry spots remaining.
- Cover the jar loosely with a coffee filter or cloth secured by a rubber band.
- Place the jar in a warm spot (70-75°F is ideal). If your house is cooler, use a turned-off oven with the light on or wrap the jar in a kitchen towel.
Days 2-3: First Signs of Life
- After 24 hours, check for bubbles on the surface, a sign of fermentation.
- Discard half of the starter (about 1 tablespoon).
- Add 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour and 1 tablespoon of water to the remaining mixture.Unbleached All-Purpose Flour For feedings
- Stir, cover loosely, and return the jar to the warm spot.
- Repeat the feeding process every 24 hours.
Days 4-5: Building Strength
- Continue discarding half of the starter daily and feeding it with 1 tablespoon each of all-purpose flour and water.
- As fermentation strengthens, you may notice more bubbles, a slight rise, and a sour smell (which will mellow over time).
Days 6-7: Twice Daily Feedings
- Transition to feeding the starter twice daily (morning and evening).
- Discard half of the starter at each feeding and replace it with 1 tablespoon each of all-purpose flour and water.
- Monitor activity: the starter should double in size within 4-6 hours of feeding. You can use a rubber band around the jar to see where the starter was before and after the feeding.
Days 8-10: Ready to Use
- By now, your starter should double in size consistently, have a pleasant sour aroma, and be full of bubbles.
- It’s ready to use for baking! If it’s not quite there, continue regular feedings until it’s strong and active.
Notes
Tips for Success:
Why Whole Wheat Flour First? Whole wheat flour contains more nutrients and wild yeast, jumpstarting fermentation. Switching to All-Purpose Flour: After Day 1, all-purpose flour maintains consistency and reduces waste.
Dark Liquid on Top (Hooch): If a dark liquid forms, stir it in or pour it off before feeding, it’s a sign your starter is hungry.
Experimenting with Flours
- Rye Flour: Boosts activity and adds an earthy flavor.
- Spelt Flour: Creates a nutty, sweet taste.