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Sourdough Starter Recipe
Marigold Voss

Sourdough Starter

A simple homemade sourdough starter made with just flour and water. This natural ferment creates the base for delicious sourdough bread with a tangy flavor and airy texture.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Fermentation Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 1 Makes about 1 starter (enough for multiple loaves)
Course: baking, Base Recipe
Cuisine: American, European
Calories: 110
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup All-purpose flour unbleached preferred
  • ½ cup Water lukewarm, non-chlorinated

Equipment

  • 1 Glass jar
  • 1 Spoon
  • 1 Kitchen scale
  • 1 Cloth or lid
  • 1 Rubber band

Method
 

  1. Day 1: Mix flour and water in a clean jar until smooth.
  2. Cover loosely with a cloth or lid and let it sit at room temperature.
  3. Day 2: Check for bubbles; stir the mixture once.
  4. Day 3: Discard half of the starter and feed with fresh flour and water.
  5. Day 4: Repeat discarding half and feeding again.
  6. Day 5: Continue feeding until the starter is bubbly and doubles in size.
  7. Once active, the starter is ready to use or store in the refrigerator.

Video

Notes

  • Use filtered water to avoid chlorine affecting fermentation.
  • Warmer environments speed up fermentation.
  • If no bubbles appear, continue feeding for a few more days.
  • A slightly sour smell is normal; a foul smell means discard and restart.