I made a sourdough starter, now what?

So, you've taken on yet another responsibility as if having a new baby wasn't enough and created your sourdough starter. Well, congratulations! Now, you might be wondering, "What do I do with it?" Well, you're in for a delightful journey into the world of artisanal bread and more.

In this blog post, I'll guide you through the process of using your sourdough starter and share some baking ideas along with the best materials to use and some budget-friendly alternatives!

• The Sourdough Starter

Fun Fact:

Your sourdough starter is a living culture of wild yeast and lactobacilli bacteria.

Once you have made your established starter it is ready to transform basic ingredients into the best darn bread and of course other baked goods. It's a centuries-old method of fermentation that not only imparts a unique flavor but also enhances the digestibility of your bread.

Basic Sourdough Bread Recipe-

Let's start with the classic – a simple sourdough bread recipe:

Ingredients:

- 1 cup active sourdough starter

- 2 cups bread flour (King Arthur bread flower is my favorite, but a cheaper alternative is your store name brand)

- 1 cup warm water

- 1 ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Combine the starter, flour, and warm water in a bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

2. Add the salt and knead the dough until smooth and elastic.

3. Let it rise in a covered bowl at room temperature for 6-12 hours or until doubled in size.

4. Shape the dough into a round loaf and let it rise again for 1-2 hours.

5. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a cast-iron Dutch oven inside to heat.

6. Carefully transfer the dough into the hot Dutch oven and bake with the lid on for 30 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

7. Cool before slicing and savoring your homemade sourdough bread.

Also, check out my post on homemade butter to go with the perfect slice of sourdough toast.

Other Baking Ideas for your starter!

Now that you've mastered the basics, here are some exciting sourdough-baking ideas to explore:

1. Sourdough Pancakes: Replace some of the liquid in your pancake recipe with sourdough starter for fluffy and tangy pancakes.

2. Sourdough Pizza: Use your starter to make a crispy and flavorful pizza crust.

3. Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls: Add a twist to your cinnamon rolls by incorporating sourdough starter into the dough.

4. Sourdough Waffles: Make light and airy waffles with that delightful sourdough tang.

5. Sourdough Muffins: Enhance your muffins with the complex flavors of sourdough.

•Best Baking Materials-

To achieve the best results, invest in quality baking materials:

1. Cast-Iron Dutch Oven: Ideal for baking sourdough bread, it traps steam and creates a crispy crust.

2. Banneton Basket: Perfect for shaping your dough and giving it that rustic look.

3. Lame or Razor Blade: For scoring the dough before baking, allowing it to expand evenly.

4. Digital Kitchen Scale: Precise measurements are crucial in sourdough baking.

5. Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and simplifies transfer.

Remember, sourdough baking is as much an art as it is a science. Don't be discouraged by a few trial-and-error attempts; each loaf is a step toward mastering the craft. Enjoy the journey and relish in the mouthwatering rewards of your homemade sourdough creations!