Sourdough Discard Recipes

Rosy

Sourdough Discard Recipes

Introduction

Sourdough discard recipes are a delightful way to utilize the excess starter that accumulates when maintaining a sourdough culture. Sourdough, a naturally leavened bread, has gained immense popularity due to its unique flavor and health benefits. The process of making sourdough involves feeding a starter with flour and water, which leads to the production of lactic acid bacteria and wild yeast. However, as you feed your starter, you often end up with a surplus of discard. Instead of tossing it away, you can transform it into a variety of delicious dishes. This article will explore some creative and tasty sourdough discard recipes, ensuring that nothing goes to waste in your kitchen.

Time

Preparation time: 15 minutes, Cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

For this article, we will focus on three popular sourdough discard recipes: Sourdough Pancakes, Sourdough Discard Crackers, and Sourdough Banana Bread. Below are the ingredients for each recipe.

Sourdough Pancakes

  • 1 cup sourdough discard
  • 1 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (or oil)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)

Sourdough Discard Crackers

  • 1 cup sourdough discard
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme)

Sourdough Banana Bread

  • 1 cup sourdough discard
  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup sugar (or brown sugar)
  • 1/3 cup melted butter (or coconut oil)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sourdough Pancakes

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, milk, egg, and melted butter until well combined.
  2. In another bowl, mix the flour, sugar (if using), baking soda, and salt.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
  4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil.
  5. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter.

Sourdough Discard Crackers

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, olive oil, flour, salt, garlic powder, and dried herbs. Mix until a dough forms.
  3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/8-inch thickness.
  4. Cut the dough into desired shapes using a knife or pizza cutter and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crackers are golden and crisp. Allow them to cool before serving.

Sourdough Banana Bread

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the sourdough discard, mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and flour.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  6. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Cooking Tips

  • For pancakes, let the batter rest for about 10 minutes before cooking to enhance the texture.
  • When making crackers, ensure the dough is rolled out evenly to achieve consistent baking.
  • For banana bread, using overripe bananas will add natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Experiment with different add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits in the banana bread for added flavor.
  • Store leftover pancakes and crackers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Variations

Sourdough Pancakes

  • Substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
  • Add blueberries or chocolate chips to the batter for a fruity or sweet twist.

Sourdough Discard Crackers

  • Incorporate seeds like sesame or poppy seeds for added crunch and flavor.
  • Try different herbs and spices, such as paprika or cumin, to customize the taste.

Sourdough Banana Bread

  • Replace half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a gluten-free version.
  • Add walnuts or pecans for a nutty texture and flavor.

Nutrition per Serving

Sourdough Pancakes (per serving, 2 pancakes)

  • kcal: 250
  • fat: 10g
  • saturates: 4g
  • carbs: 35g
  • sugars: 5g
  • fibre: 2g
  • protein: 6g
  • salt: 0.5g

Sourdough Discard Crackers (per serving, 10 crackers)

  • kcal: 150
  • fat: 8g
  • saturates: 1g
  • carbs: 18g
  • sugars: 0g
  • fibre: 1g
  • protein: 3g
  • salt: 0.4g

Sourdough Banana Bread (per slice)

  • kcal: 180
  • fat: 7g
  • saturates: 3g
  • carbs: 27g
  • sugars: 12g
  • fibre: 1g
  • protein: 3g
  • salt: 0.3g

Serving Suggestions

Sourdough Pancakes

  • Serve with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dollop of yogurt.
  • Pair with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a hearty breakfast.

Sourdough Discard Crackers

  • Enjoy with hummus, cheese, or your favorite dip.
  • Serve as an appetizer at gatherings or parties.

Sourdough Banana Bread

  • Serve warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese.
  • Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.

Conclusion

Sourdough discard recipes not only help reduce food waste but also allow you to create delicious and versatile dishes. From fluffy pancakes to crunchy crackers and moist banana bread, these recipes showcase the potential of sourdough discard in your kitchen. By incorporating these recipes into your routine, you can enjoy the unique flavors of sourdough while making the most of your starter. So, the next time you have sourdough discard, don’t throw it away—get creative and whip up something delicious!

Leave a Comment

en_USEnglish