Sourdough baking is a rewarding hobby that allows you to create artisanal bread with unique flavors and textures. However, maintaining a sourdough starter often results in excess discard, which many perceive as waste. Rather than throwing it away, you can transform it into delicious treats with these sourdough discard recipes!
1. Sourdough Discard Pancakes
Pancakes are a breakfast classic, and this recipe elevates them with the tangy flavor of sourdough, adding a fluffy yet unique twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ cup milk
Instructions:
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a bowl, mix the sourdough discard, egg, melted butter, and sugar until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the salt and baking soda.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Gradually add the milk, mixing until smooth.
- Cook the Pancakes:
- Preheat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Grease lightly with butter or cooking spray.
- Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
- Serve:
- Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh fruits, or whipped cream.
2. Sourdough Discard Crackers
Crackers are a versatile snack, and this recipe produces crispy, flavorful crackers that pair perfectly with cheeses, dips, or spreads.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp dried herbs (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the sourdough discard, melted butter, flour, salt, and dried herbs (if using). Mix until a dough forms.
- Roll and Score the Dough:
- Roll out the dough thinly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet (approximately ⅛-inch thick).
- Score the dough into cracker shapes using a knife or pizza cutter.
- Bake the Crackers:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the crackers for 15-20 minutes or until crisp and golden.
- Let the crackers cool before breaking them along the scored lines.
- Store:
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
3. Sourdough Discard Pizza Crust
Homemade pizza becomes even better with a thin, crispy sourdough discard crust. It’s the perfect base for your favorite toppings
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix together the sourdough discard, flour, olive oil, salt, and baking powder until a dough forms.
- Let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
- Roll and Top the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Roll the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Top with your favorite toppings (e.g., tomato sauce, cheese, vegetables, meats).
- Bake the Pizza:
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Slice and serve hot.
4. Sourdough Discard Banana Bread
This banana bread recipe takes the comforting classic and adds a tangy twist from the sourdough discard.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mix the sourdough discard, mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Bake the Banana Bread:
- Pour the batter into the loaf pan.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
5. Sourdough Discard Chocolate Cake
This rich, moist chocolate cake takes decadence to the next level with the addition of sourdough discard.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
Instructions:
- Prepare the Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch cake pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the sourdough discard, flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the oil, egg, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until smooth.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the cake pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
These sourdough discard recipes offer a delicious variety of ways to make the most of your leftover starter, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Enjoy experimenting with these treats and savor the unique flavors sourdough brings to your table!