Sour dough bread using a ‘sour dough starter’ takes more effort than your standard bread recipes but’is well worth it!
Your starter must be created and maintained for leavening your bread (no other yeast is added to your bread mix), and the process takes longer than other bread recipes. This is what gives sour dough its unique taste and texture.
Below is a recipe for your own live sourdough starter. Recipes for bread using sourdough starter vary a lot in complexity and length. Look online for one that suits you and get started!
‘
Sourdough Starter
This recipe includes a little dried yeast to kick start the process, rather than the more time consuming and less reliable traditional method of completely natural yeast production. Although purists may not approve, the difference to the finished loaf is negligible and after you’ve used your starter for a year or two, who would know?!
2 tsp dried yeast
1 tsp castor sugar
1 ¼ c lukewarm water
1 ½ c plain flour
Combine first three ingredients in medium bowl, leave until bubbly.
Add flour and stir until combined.
Pour into a’jar that allows room for the mixture to at least double in size, with a lid that is not entirely airtight. ( I use a clip top jar with the rubber seal removed.)
Leave this at room temperature for at least 2 days before using.
This starter can be can be kept indefinitely with a bit of TLC. Refrigerate and feed once a week – tip away around half of the starter, add ½ c of water and ½ c of plain flour, mix well to a thick creamy paste then return to the fridge. You will notice it increases in size dramatically and then falls again. If you notice your starter has developed a layer of clear liquid on top, this is an indication that it needs to be fed.
When you plan on using the starter, bring it to room temperature and feed 8 to 12 hours prior to using. I find it works well to get it out the evening before, feed it, and then leave it on the bench overnight so it is ready the next morning.
The starter can also be frozen if you will not be needing it for some time.
Why not share the love?! Reserve the discarded portion of your starter when feeding, and gift it to someone to start their own!
