If you’ve been maintaining a sourdough starter, you’re likely familiar with the constant need to discard part of the starter during feedings. While this sourdough discard might seem like waste, it’s actually a valuable ingredient for many delicious recipes. In this guide, we’ll explore the many ways you can store, use, and cook a sourdough discard recipe, giving new life to this often overlooked byproduct.
What is Sourdough Discard?
Sourdough discard is the portion of the sourdough starter that is removed before feeding it. While this discarded portion is no longer active for leavening bread, it still holds value as it contains the flavors of sourdough fermentation. Using discard can add a slightly tangy, nuanced flavor to a variety of dishes, from pancakes to crackers.
Why You Shouldn’t Waste Sourdough Discard
- Zero-Waste Baking: Instead of throwing away your sourdough discard, incorporate it into recipes to reduce kitchen waste.
- Unique Flavor: The mild tang from sourdough discard enhances both sweet and savory dishes, adding complexity to your cooking.
Incorporating sourdough discard is an eco-friendly practice that cuts down on food waste, while also giving a more interesting flavor profile to your baked goods.
How to Store Sourdough Discard
- Refrigeration: Store sourdough discard in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last for up to two weeks, though fresher discard is preferable for recipes.
- Freezing: If you don’t plan to use it immediately, freeze your discard in a sealed container or freezer bag. Defrost in the fridge overnight before using.
Popular Sourdough Discard Recipes
Here are a few simple and crowd-pleasing ways to make use of that discard sitting in your fridge:
Savory Recipes
- Sourdough Pancakes
- Light and fluffy pancakes with a tangy twist. Simply mix your discard with regular pancake batter for a delicious upgrade.
- Sourdough Pizza Crust
- For a chewy, flavorful pizza crust, combine your sourdough discard with flour, water, and salt. Let it rise, top it with your favorite ingredients, and bake to perfection.
Sweet Recipes
- Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies
- This recipe takes your classic chocolate chip cookies to the next level by adding sourdough discard, giving the cookies a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- Sourdough Cinnamon Crumb Cake
- Sourdough discard adds depth to this crumb cake, making it moist and tangy, with a sweet cinnamon topping that creates the perfect balance.
FAQs on Sourdough Discard
- Can you make bread with sourdough discard?
- While discard is not as potent as an active starter, it can still be used in quick breads, crackers, or flatbreads, where leavening is not as crucial.
- What happens if you don’t discard your sourdough starter?
- If you skip discarding, your starter may become too acidic and less effective in rising dough, affecting the texture and flavor of your bread.
- Can you freeze sourdough discard?
- Yes! Discard can be frozen for later use in recipes. Just make sure to defrost it in the fridge before adding it to your ingredients.
Advanced Uses for Sourdough Discard
- Sourdough Crackers
- Thin, crispy crackers made from discard and simple pantry ingredients. This is a great way to reduce waste while making a perfect snack.
- Fermentation Starter
- The natural yeast in sourdough discard can be used as a base for fermenting vegetables, like pickles or sauerkraut, adding a slightly sour note.
Conclusion
Sourdough discard is more than just a byproduct; it’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of sweet and savory recipes. Whether you’re making pancakes, pizza, or cookies, sourdough discard offers unique flavor while helping you reduce waste. So next time you’re feeding your sourdough starter, don’t toss that discard—get creative and try out some new recipes!
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