Sourdough: A Beginner’s Guide to Creating Your Own Starter

ByKirsten

In our household, food is about accommodating different needs and preferences. Between my son’s food allergies and my daughter’s diagnosis with ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), meal times were becoming increasingly complicated. We used to buy multiple varieties of bread and other baked goods to meet everyone’s needs, but with rising food costs, this approach became unsustainable. That’s when I knew I needed to make changes so I started with sourdough, and it has been a game-changer.

Sourdough has not only helped bridge the gap in our dietary requirements but has also become a staple in our kitchen. Despite still being on a learning curve, I’ve found myself enjoying more bread things than ever before, all thanks to the magic of sourdough.

Why Sourdough?

  1. Versatility: Sourdough can be adapted to suit various dietary needs.
  2. Health Benefits: Sourdough is known for its easier digestibility and lower glycemic index compared to other breads, making it a healthier choice for everyone in the family.
  3. Cost-Effective: By making our own bread, we save money and ensure the quality of the ingredients.

Getting Started: Your Beginner-Friendly Sourdough Starter Guide

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • Water (I use spring)

Equipment:

  • A wide-mouth mason jar or any clean glass jar
  • A rubber band or hair tie
  • A lid

Day-by-Day Instructions:

Day 1:

  • Mix the whole wheat and all-purpose in a jar. Add 1 cup water in your jar. Stir until well combined. This should look like thick peanut butter, if it looks to wet, add a little bit of all-purpose flour. Place lid on loosely. Leave it at room temperature.

Day 2-3:

  • Stir the starter. Discard half of it (or use it in recipes that require sourdough discard). Feed the same as yesterday. Mix well, cover, and leave at room temperature.

Day 4:

  • Continue the feeding process. A helpful tip is to tie a rubber band or hair tie around the jar at the level of the starter after feeding. This will help you see if it’s rising and falling, which indicates it’s becoming active.

Day 5-7:

  • Repeat the feeding process daily. You should start to see bubbles and notice a tangy aroma, indicating that your starter is alive and thriving.

Week 2 and Beyond:

  • Your starter should now be active and bubbly. Continue to feed it daily or store it in the fridge if you plan to use it less frequently. It’s important to wait until the starter is well-established (about two weeks) before saving discard for future use to ensure it’s safe and flavorful. To learn more about how I store my starter, click here.

Tips for Success:

  1. Consistency is Key: Regular feeding helps maintain an active starter.
  2. Observe and Adjust: Every starter is unique and may require slight adjustments based on your environment. I always describe a just fed starter to look like peanut butter.
  3. Start Fresh if Necessary: If you encounter mold, STARTER OVER! Getting sick is never worth the risk.

Incorporating Sourdough into Your Routine

For me, meal planning has been crucial. By keeping my starter on the counter during the week and planning our meals, I know day-to-day whether I’ll be cooking with the starter or storing it for a weekend baking session. This approach has allowed me to maintain an active starter that’s always ready to go.

The Joy of Sourdough

Creating and nurturing your own sourdough starter is more than just about baking bread. It’s a cost-effective way to start making swaps in the kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves and let the sourdough journey begin.  Happy baking! 🥖✨