Beginner's Guide to Sourdough Starter
Make your sourdough starter by simply mixing flour and water. This recipe will help any beginner start their sourdough journey.
Instructions
- Day 1: Combine 50 grams of unbleached white flour with 50 grams of filtered water. Cover the container with a cheese cloth and place the lid loosely on top. Place your starter on the counter at room temperature.
- Day 2-7: Feed your starter with 50 grams of unbleached white flour and 50 grams of filtered water. Cover and place your starter on the counter at room temperature. Repeat this process for five more days.
- Day 7: On the 7th day, test your starter to ensure that it is ready to bake. Drop a spoonful of starter into a cup of water. If it floats, it is ready to use for baking your first sourdough bread. If you are not baking right away, transfer the starter to the fridge and feed weekly with the same ratios.
- Day 8-14: At this point you should have a strong enough starter to make fluffy sourdough bread. Because the starter is still very young, it is recommended to continue feeding your starter every day for another week to get optimal results. After two weeks, you should have a very strong and active starter.
Notes
Before each feeding, you may need to discard a small amount of the original mixture before adding fresh flour and water. You will know if you need to discard if the starter has risen close to the top of the jar.
Avoid discarding the starter in the sink, and opt for the trash or using it in another recipe. It may clog up the sink disposal.