Description
This simple and traditional sourdough starter recipe creates a natural leavening agent for baking artisan breads. By combining just all-purpose flour and lukewarm water, and allowing the mixture to ferment and develop wild yeast and beneficial bacteria over several days, you cultivate a bubbly, active starter that imparts distinctive tang and complex flavor to your sourdough baking.
Ingredients
Scale
Starter Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup lukewarm water
Feeding Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup lukewarm water
Instructions
- Mix Flour and Water: Combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup of lukewarm water in a clean glass or plastic container. Stir thoroughly to eliminate lumps and create a smooth batter.
- Cover and Rest: Cover the container loosely with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap to allow airflow while preventing contaminants. Place the container in a warm area away from direct sunlight to encourage fermentation.
- Allow Fermentation: Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 24 hours. During this time, natural wild yeast and bacteria begin fermenting the mixture, and you should see bubbles forming on the surface indicating activity.
- Discard and Feed: After 24 hours, discard half of the starter to balance acidity and yeast concentration. To the remaining starter, add 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup lukewarm water. Stir well to combine and refresh the food supply for the yeast.
- Repeat Feeding Routine: Cover the container loosely again and let it rest for another 24 hours at room temperature. Continue this daily feeding schedule of discarding half and replenishing with flour and water until the starter is bubbly, active, and doubles in size, which typically takes 5 to 7 days.
Notes
- Use unchlorinated water (filtered or bottled) if possible, as chlorine can inhibit fermentation.
- Maintain a consistent warm temperature around 70-75°F (21-24°C) for optimal fermentation.
- The starter should smell slightly sour and yeasty; a foul odor indicates spoilage.
- Once active, the starter can be stored in the refrigerator and fed weekly if not baking regularly.
- Use a transparent container to easily monitor bubbling and growth.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International
