Sourdough starter discard recipes, such as sourdough
pancakes, sourdough crackers, and sourdough pretzels, have a tangy flavor
without requiring the fermentation time required for traditional sourdough
baking. Refrigerate the discard to use whenever a craving strikes.
What Is Sourdough Starter Discard?
The by-product of sourdough starter feeding is sourdough
starter discard. A typical feeding procedure involves removing a portion of the
existing starter and then feeding the remainder with whole wheat or all-purpose
flour and water. The amount removed from the starter is known as the discard
and is frequently discarded. However, there are numerous sourdough discard
recipes available to help reduce food waste.
To give the bread lift, sourdough bread baking requires an
active sourdough starter, as do many other sourdough recipes. However, instead
of using sourdough discard as a leavening agent, use it in recipes for a tangy,
sour flavor. Sourdough discard recipes can be baked almost immediately, unless
they are also yeasted, because the starter discard does not need to ferment.
How Long Does Sourdough Discard Last?
Sourdough scraps can be stored in the refrigerator for up to
two weeks. Store it in a lidded jar or another airtight container. Throw away
any discard that has pink or orange streaks or visible mold. Use fresh
sourdough discard for sweet baked goods like cinnamon rolls or donuts, and
older discard for savory recipes like pretzels or sourdough discard crackers.
12 Sourdough Discard Recipes
1. Sourdough banana bread: Because it uses sourdough
discard, sourdough banana bread is still a quick bread with a chewy, tender
crumb, just like regular banana bread. For a signature sourdough flavor,
combine sourdough starter discard with baking powder and baking soda. Discover
how to make this simple sourdough banana bread recipe.
2. Sourdough biscuits: Buttery sourdough discard biscuits
get their lift from other leavening agents and use the discard for flavor. Bake
savory or sweet sourdough biscuits in a cast-iron skillet for a crispy, golden
brown exterior. The tang in the sourdough starter balances out the tang in the
buttermilk biscuits.
3. Sourdough brownies: Sourdough brownies are sweet,
chocolaty, and slightly tangy from the sourdough starter. They use starter
discard instead of an active starter. Many brownie recipes do not contain a
leavening agent, so they are fine without the lift provided by an active
sourdough starter. Make these sourdough discard brownies.
4. Chocolate sourdough cake: Baking powder and baking soda
are commonly used in chocolate cake recipes, and sourdough chocolate cake is no
exception. The tangy flavor of the sourdough starter discard complements the
dark chocolate in the cake. For a richer chocolate flavor, this sourdough chocolate
cake recipe calls for natural cocoa powder.
5. Sourdough chocolate chip cookies: Some chocolate
chip cookie recipes prioritize sweetness over all other flavors, but adding
sourdough starter discard gives the cookies a tangy, slightly savory flavor.
Learn how to make sourdough chocolate chip cookies that are full of chocolate
and sourdough flavors.
6. Coffee cake made with sourdough: Sourdough coffee cake is
a delicious combination of sweet cake batter and warm cinnamon swirl and
crumble. Sour cream is commonly used in coffee crumb cake batter, which
complements the tangy sourdough starter discard. Learn how to make this
whole-wheat sourdough coffee cake.
7. Sourdough English muffins: Sourdough English muffins
are fluffy and tangy, perfect for breakfast sandwiches or English muffin
pizzas, or toast them and slather them with butter and jam. The sourdough
starter's tang complements a variety of flavors, making this sourdough English
muffin recipe a versatile bread recipe.
8. Sourdough flatbread: Try this recipe for sourdough
flatbread for your next pizza night, or use it as a dipper for hummus and other
dips. Flavor the flatbread in a variety of ways or use it as a vehicle for a
variety of toppings. Because flatbreads are lightly leavened or not leavened at
all, it is best to use starter discard.
9. Sourdough naan: Serve tangy sourdough naan alongside
saucy chicken tikka masala or paneer makhani. This simple sourdough naan recipe
calls for classic ingredients like ghee and cilantro, which complement the
sourness of sourdough starter discard. Cook the naan on a hot griddle until the
outside is crispy and the inside is pillowy.
10. Sourdough pizza crust: Home cooks top this tangy twist
on the classic with traditional Italian ingredients like pizza sauce, pesto,
fresh mozzarella cheese, Parmesan, and fresh basil and bake it in a high-heat
pizza oven, just like traditional pizza dough. Both sourdough starter discard
and instant yeast are used in this sourdough pizza crust recipe.
11. Sourdough scones: A flaky, tangy, biscuit-like spin
on the popular British quick bread made with tangy, fermented sourdough
discard. For a sweet and tangy breakfast or snack, make these sourdough scones
and top them with classic spreads like clotted cream, lemon curd, or fruit jam.
12. Sourdough waffles: Some sourdough waffle recipes call
for an active sourdough starter to give the waffles a slight rise, but since
waffle recipes already call for baking powder, this isn't necessary. Sourdough
starter discard adds a tangy flavor and chewy texture to waffle batter. Make
these nine-ingredient sourdough waffles.
