Why Make Sourdough Bread?
Few things compare to the aroma of freshly baked bread filling a warm, cozy kitchen. Whether you're snowbound or simply craving a fresh and healthy breakfast, it's time to preheat that oven and get started with homemade sourdough!
Choosing Your Sourdough Starter
The type of sourdough starter you choose will greatly influence the flavor of your bread. Each culture has a unique taste, much like cheese made from the same milk can vary based on its production process. For a mild flavor, consider a Parisian (French) starter. For a bold, tangy sourdough experience, try a San Francisco starter. If you prefer whole wheat bread, there's even a starter specifically for that!
Getting the Starter Started
Caring for sourdough starter is similar to managing other fermented foods like kombucha, cheese, beer, or yogurt. These are all living cultures that require attention to thrive. When you first receive your starter, it may not look like much, but with time and care, it will grow into a powerful base for delicious bread.
Feeding & Maintaining Your Starter
To get started, follow the instructions included with your starter. Plan ahead—it may take up to a week for your starter to be ready to use. During this initial phase, you'll need plenty of flour (at least 8-16 cups) and a consistent feeding schedule every 12 hours. Think of it like caring for a pet; your starter will thrive when fed regularly.
If you miss a feeding, don't worry—it won't die, but it will be hungry. You'll know it's hungry when a layer of liquid appears on top.
The first week also produces a lot of "waste starter," which is discarded during feedings. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to use leftover starter in recipes like pancakes, crackers, and more. For ideas, check out Cultures for Health.
Keeping the Starter from Taking Over
Once your starter is active and bubbly, it's ready to use! Before baking, feed your starter enough to create the amount required for your recipe, plus an additional 1/4 cup to keep for future use.
If you bake multiple times a week, keep your starter on the counter and feed it every 12 hours. However, if you bake less frequently, store your starter in the fridge. Feed refrigerated starter once a week and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours after feeding before returning it to the fridge.
Planning Your Baking
Baking with sourdough requires a bit of planning, but the rewards are well worth it. Remove 1/4 cup of starter from the fridge a day or two before baking, and feed it every 12 hours until you have enough for your recipe. With proper care, your starter can last indefinitely, becoming a treasured part of your kitchen.
Recipes and Resources
Sourdough is incredibly versatile, and there are countless recipes to explore. From classic loaves to pizza crusts and waffles, the possibilities are endless. With just a little practice, sourdough baking can become a rewarding and regular part of your routine.
Sourdough starter is the gift that keeps on giving. With minimal effort, you can enjoy fresh bread and share your starter with friends and family for generations to come!
