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Sourdough Starter Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 53 reviews

This easy-to-follow sourdough starter recipe guides you through creating a lively, bubbly starter to use for delicious homemade sourdough bread. Using just all-purpose flour and filtered water, you’ll nurture your natural yeast over 8 days through regular feedings and discarding, establishing the perfect base for tangy, flavorful sourdough baking.

Ingredients

Scale

Starter Ingredients

  • 60 grams (about ¼ cup) all-purpose flour
  • 60 grams (about ¼ cup) filtered water

Instructions

  1. Initial Mix: Combine 60 grams of all-purpose flour and 60 grams of filtered water in a clean jar. Stir until there is no dry flour left. Cover the jar loosely with a lid or cheesecloth to allow air circulation and place it in a warm spot. Leave it undisturbed for 24 hours.
  2. Day 2 Feeding: Discard half of the mixture from the previous day. Feed the remaining starter with 60 grams each of all-purpose flour and filtered water. Stir well until smooth. Cover loosely again and place in a warm spot for another 24 hours.
  3. Days 3 to 5 Maintenance: Repeat the process of discarding half and feeding with 60 grams each of flour and water daily. Continue to keep the jar covered loosely in a warm environment.
  4. Days 6 and 7: Increased Feeding Frequency: Now discard half of the starter every 12 hours and feed with 60 grams each of flour and water. Maintain the starter in a consistently warm place to encourage yeast growth.
  5. Day 8 Readiness Test: By day 8, the starter should be bubbly and active. To test if it’s ready for baking, drop a spoonful into cold water; if it floats, your sourdough starter is fully matured and ready to use.

Notes

  • Use filtered water to avoid chlorine, which can inhibit yeast growth.
  • Keep the jar in a warm spot ideally between 70°F to 75°F (21°C to 24°C) for optimal fermentation.
  • Discarding half the starter before feeding helps control acidity and encourages healthy yeast proliferation.
  • Once mature, maintain your starter by feeding it regularly or store it in the refrigerator for less frequent feedings.
  • If not baking regularly, you can feed the starter weekly and keep it refrigerated.

Keywords: sourdough starter, homemade bread starter, natural yeast starter, fermented dough, sourdough baking

Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/sourdough-starter-recipe/