Sourdough Starter

Name: Sourdough Starter
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: about 3 cups
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast; 2 cups warm water (110° to 115°)

Total Time Prep: 10 min. + standing

Yield about 3 cups

Test Kitchen Approved

Many years ago, I received this recipe and some starter from a good friend. I use it to make my own sourdough bread. —Delila George, Junction City, Oregon

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
2 cups warm water (110° to 115°)

Directions

In a covered 4-qt. glass or ceramic container, mix flour and yeast. Gradually stir in warm water until smooth. Cover loosely with a kitchen towel; let stand in a warm place 2-4 days or until mixture is bubbly and sour smelling and a clear liquid has formed on top. (Starter may darken, but if starter turns another color or develops an offensive odor or mold, discard it and start over.)
Cover tightly and refrigerate starter until ready to use. Use and replenish starter, or nourish it, once every 1-2 weeks.

To use and replenish starter:
Stir to blend in any liquid on top. Remove amount of starter needed; bring to room temperature before using. For each 1/2 cup starter removed, add 1/2 cup flour and 1/2 cup warm water to the remaining starter and stir until smooth. Cover loosely and let stand in a warm place 1-2 days or until light and bubbly. Stir; cover tightly and refrigerate.
To nourish starter:
Remove half of the starter. Stir in equal parts of flour and warm water; cover loosely and let stand in a warm place 1-2 days or until light and bubbly. Stir; cover tightly and refrigerate.

Nutrition Facts

1 tablespoon: 19 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.

Many years ago, I received this recipe and some starter from a good friend. I use it to make my own sourdough bread. —Delila George, Junction City, Oregon

Recipe Creator