Description
A simple, cost-effective method for creating a sourdough starter using just flour and water. This guide helps beginners build a living culture for baking without expensive equipment or ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (120g) All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup (240ml) Filtered Water
- 2 tablespoons Whole Wheat Flour (optional)
Instructions
- Day 1: In a clean glass jar, mix 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup (60ml) water until smooth. Cover loosely and let sit for 24 hours in a warm spot.
- Day 2: Discard half of the mixture. Add 1/4 cup flour and 1/4 cup water to the remaining half. Stir well, cover loosely, and let sit for 24 hours.
- Day 3: Discard half of the mixture. Feed with 1/4 cup flour and 1/4 cup water. Stir, cover, and wait. Bubbles should begin to appear.
- Day 4-5: Continue the routine of discarding half and feeding with equal parts flour and water every 24 hours. The starter should become more bubbly.
- Day 6-7: Test readiness by dropping a teaspoon of starter into a glass of water. If it floats, it is ready to bake. If it sinks, continue feeding for another day or two.
Notes
Use filtered water or let tap water sit out for 24 hours to remove chlorine. Keep the jar in a warm spot (above 70°F/21°C) for faster fermentation. Store in the fridge once active and feed weekly. Use discard for pancakes, crackers, or muffins.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per 100g of starter
- Calories: 90
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: sourdough starter, beginner sourdough, budget baking, one person meal, zero waste cooking, homemade bread, fermentation