Learn how to make your own sourdough starter: a simple step-by-step guide for beginners. Natural & delicious!
Making sourdough is a simple but time-consuming process in which you essentially create a natural leaven. This consists of flour and water that ferments over a certain period to cultivate wild yeasts and lactic acid bacteria. Here is a basic guide on how to create a sourdough starter from scratch:
Basic Recipe for Sourdough Starter
Ingredients:
- 100g whole grain flour
- 100ml lukewarm water
Preparation:
- Mix the whole grain flour with the lukewarm water in a clean jar.
- Cover the jar with a clean cloth and let it sit at room temperature.
- Feed the starter daily with the same amount of flour and water.
- After about 7 days, the sourdough starter should be active and ready to use.
Instructions:
Day 1:
Day 1:
- Starting the starter: Mix 100g of flour with 100ml of lukewarm water in a jar or bowl. Stir until everything is well combined, resulting in a thick, sticky mass.
- Covering: Cover the mixture with a clean cloth or loosely seal the jar to keep it breathable.
- Storing: Place the jar in a warm spot with a temperature of about 20-25°C.
Days 2-7:
- Feeding the starter: Remove and discard about half of the starter daily. Replace it with fresh 100g of flour and 100ml of water. This process is called "feeding".
- Stirring and covering: Stir the mixture well and cover it again.
- Observing: After a few days, bubbles should form, and the starter will begin to smell sour. This is a good sign that fermentation is active.
Maintenance:
- Regular feeding: When the starter is active (full of bubbles and with a pleasant sour smell), you can either store it in the refrigerator and feed it once a week or keep it at room temperature and feed it daily.
- Refreshing before use: If you want to use the starter, feed it 12-24 hours beforehand to ensure it is nice and active.
Notes:
- The temperature and environment can influence the fermentation process. In warmer climates, the starter may mature faster.
- The choice of flour can also make a difference. Experiment with different types of flour to see what works best.
- It may take several attempts to have a robust and active sourdough starter, so don't be discouraged if it doesn't work perfectly the first time.
With this sourdough starter, you can then make bread, pancakes, waffles, and many other baked goods that require natural yeast and a unique flavor.
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