Creative Sourdough Discard Recipes

If you’ve been maintaining a sourdough starter, you know that discarding some of it is part of the process to keep the starter healthy. But did you know you can turn that discard into delicious recipes? From breakfast to dinner and everything in between, here are some creative and tasty ways to use your sourdough discard.

Sourdough Discard Recipes

1. Sourdough Discard Pancakes Recipes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• Butter or oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together sourdough discard, flour, milk, sugar, baking soda, salt, and egg until well combined.
2. Heat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat and grease with butter or oil.
3. Pour pancake batter onto the hot griddle, using about 1/4 cup for each pancake.
4. Cook until bubbles form on the surface of the pancakes, then flip and cook until golden brown on both sides.
5. Serve warm with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream.

2. Sourdough Discard Pizza Crust Recipes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 2 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Pizza toppings of your choice (tomato sauce, cheese, vegetables, etc.)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine sourdough discard, flour, warm water, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
5. Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet. Top with your favorite pizza toppings.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
7. Slice and serve hot.

3. Sourdough Discard Banana Bread Recipes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter or oil
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine sourdough discard, mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter or oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips, if using.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

4. Sourdough Discard Crackers Recipes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Optional: herbs, seeds, or spices for seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix together sourdough discard, olive oil, and salt until well combined.
3. Spread the mixture thinly and evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
4. Sprinkle with herbs, seeds, or spices of your choice, if desired.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown and crisp.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely before breaking into pieces.
7. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

5. Sourdough Discard Waffles Recipes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter or oil
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together sourdough discard, flour, milk, sugar, melted butter or oil, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and eggs until smooth.
2. Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Pour batter onto the hot waffle iron and cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
4. Serve warm with toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream, or maple syrup.

Reduce Food Waste with Sourdough Discard!

These sourdough discard recipes are not only delicious but also help reduce food waste by utilizing excess starter. Whether you’re making pancakes for breakfast, pizza for dinner, or snacks like crackers and banana bread, sourdough discard adds flavor and texture to your culinary creations. Try these recipes and enjoy the versatility of sourdough discard in your cooking and baking adventures!

FAQ for Sourdough Discard Recipes

Q1: What is sourdough discard?

A1: Sourdough discard refers to the portion of sourdough starter that is removed and discarded during the feeding process to maintain a healthy starter. It’s often discarded to prevent the starter from becoming too large.

Q2: Can sourdough discard be used in recipes?

A2: Yes, sourdough discard can be used in various recipes to add flavor and texture. It’s commonly used in pancakes, waffles, pizza crusts, crackers, and even banana bread, transforming what would otherwise be discarded into delicious dishes.

Q3: How do I store sourdough discard?

A3: Sourdough discard can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing you to accumulate enough discard to use in recipes.

Q4: Do I need to feed my sourdough starter before using the discard?

A4: No, you can use sourdough discard straight from the refrigerator without feeding it. The discard is typically added to recipes where its flavor and slight acidity contribute to the final dish.

Q5: What are some tips for using sourdough discard in recipes?

A5: When using sourdough discard in recipes, consider its flavor profile and adjust the recipe accordingly. It adds a tangy taste and may require balancing with other ingredients like sugar or salt. Experiment with different recipes to find your favorite way to use sourdough discard.