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Copy of Let's Get Cooking: My Easy Step-By-Step Guide to Creating the Perfect Sourdough Bread Starter

Becky Barton



Sourdough bread is not just a meal; it’s a heartfelt endeavor. If you've ever indulged in a slice of fresh, tangy sourdough and found yourself wondering how to create that experience in your own kitchen, you're in the right place! Crafting the perfect sourdough starter is essential for making this tasty bread. In this guide, I’ll lead you through the steps to create a sourdough starter from scratch. Let’s get started!


What is a Sourdough Starter?


Before diving into the how-to, let’s define what a sourdough starter is. It’s a mixture of flour and water that ferments over time. This mixture captures wild yeast and beneficial bacteria from your environment, making it unique to your home. This is what gives sourdough its rich rise and distinct tangy flavor.


While making a starter is straightforward, it requires patience. Trust me, the results are worth the effort!


What You'll Need


  • Flour: Choose from all-purpose, whole wheat, or a mix of both. I recommend whole wheat flour initially, as it often jumpstarts fermentation more quickly.


  • Water: Filtered or bottled water is best to prevent chlorine from stunting yeast growth.


  • Glass Jar: A clear glass jar allows you to observe the bubbles forming in your starter.


  • Spoon: Use a wooden or plastic spoon to mix your ingredients.


Step 1: Day One – Mixing the Start


In your glass jar, combine 1/2 cup (60g) of flour with 1/4 cup (60ml) of water. Stir until there are no lumps. You want a mixture that looks like thick pancake batter.


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Cover the jar loosely with a lid or a clean kitchen towel. This helps keep contaminants out while allowing air to flow in. Find a warm spot for your jar, ideally around 70°F to 75°F (21°C to 24°C).


Step 2: Day Two – Checking In


After 24 hours, take a look at your jar. You might see a few bubbles forming, which is a promising sign! If not, don't worry; wild yeast can be slow to start.


Gently stir the mixture, then let it sit for another day.


Step 3: Day Three – Time to Feed!


By now, your starter should be showing some signs of life, with bubbles and perhaps a pleasant sour aroma. It’s time to feed your starter. Discard half of the mixture (about 1/2 cup), then add another 1/2 cup (60g) of flour and 1/4 cup (60ml) of water. Mix well.


Cover loosely again and return it to its warm spot.


Step 4: Days Four to Seven – Build Up the Strength


Continue the feeding process every 24 hours. You should notice your starter becoming more vigorous. By days four and five, expect a strong sour aroma and plenty of bubbling.


Approximately 75% of starters will be ready to use after 5 to 7 days, but some may require a bit more time or a warmer location.


Step 5: The Perfect Sourdough Starter!


By day seven (or sometimes earlier), your starter should be bubbly, have doubled in size, and possess a tangy smell. To ensure it’s strong enough for baking, perform the “float test”: take a spoonful of the starter and drop it into a glass of water. If it floats, it's ready to use!


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Close-up view of bubbly sourdough starter in a glass jar
Bubbly sourdough starter showing signs of fermentation

Storing Your Starter


If baking every day isn’t in your plans, store your starter in the refrigerator. Just remember to feed it at least once a week to keep it healthy. When you're ready to bake, pull it out and feed it 24 hours in advance to reactivate the yeast.


Troubleshooting Your Starter


If your starter doesn’t behave as expected, consider these tips:


  • If you see liquid on top, called “hooch,” that indicates your starter is hungry. Stir it back in or pour it off and feed it.


  • A dark layer on top is likely also hooch; simply stir and feed.


  • If your starter develops an unpleasant smell or shows mold, it’s time to discard it and start anew.


Here’s to Your Baking Adventure!


Creating a sourdough starter may feel intimidating at first, but with just flour, water, and some patience, you will soon be on your way to baking delicious sourdough bread! Remember, sourdough involves nurturing a living culture, so don’t worry if things don't go perfectly from the beginning. Enjoy the journey, and I guarantee that the delicious results will be worth it.


With these clear step-by-step instructions, you’re ready to embark on your baking adventure. Happy baking and welcome to the amazing world of sourdough!

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