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Simple Beginner Sourdough Starter from Scratch: Easy 7-Day Guide

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Learn how to make a simple beginner sourdough starter from scratch with this easy 7-day guide. Using just flour and water, you’ll create a bubbly, active starter perfect for baking delicious sourdough bread.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 50 grams all-purpose flour (unbleached preferred)
  • 50 grams water (filtered or bottled, room temperature)
  • Optional: whole wheat flour or rye flour for first few days

Instructions

  1. Day 1: Combine 50 grams of flour and 50 grams of water in a glass jar. Stir vigorously until no dry flour remains. Scrape down sides, cover loosely with a towel or coffee filter, and place on kitchen counter for 24 hours.
  2. Day 2: Discard half of the starter (about 50 grams). Add 50 grams fresh flour and 50 grams fresh water. Stir well, scrape down sides, and cover. If hooch (grayish liquid) appears, stir it in or pour it off before feeding.
  3. Day 3: Discard half, feed with 50 grams flour and 50 grams water. Stir and cover. You should see more bubbles and a slightly sour or fruity smell.
  4. Day 4: Discard half, feed again. Starter should be noticeably bubbly and may rise within 4-6 hours. If sluggish, use slightly warmer water (around 80°F).
  5. Day 5: Discard half, feed. Starter should double in size within 4-6 hours and smell pleasantly sour.
  6. Day 6: Discard half, feed. Starter should be very bubbly and double in size within 4 hours, with a dome shape at peak.
  7. Day 7: Feed in the morning. By afternoon, starter should be bubbly, doubled, and smell wonderfully sour. Pass the float test: drop a small spoonful into water; if it floats, it’s ready.

Notes

Keep starter in a warm spot (above 70°F) for faster development. If using tap water, let it sit out overnight to allow chlorine to evaporate. Don’t skip the discard step; save discard for pancakes, crackers, or muffins. If starter isn’t ready by day 7, continue daily feedings; some starters take 10-14 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: sourdough starter, beginner sourdough, easy sourdough starter, homemade sourdough starter, 7-day sourdough starter

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/simple-beginner-sourdough-starter-from-scratch-easy-7-day-guide/