Sourdough baking has surged in popularity, especially among home bakers. One of the benefits of sourdough baking is the rich flavor and digestibility it imparts to bread. However, there’s a common by-product that many bakers aren’t sure what to do with—sourdough discard. If you’ve been maintaining a sourdough starter, you’re likely familiar with the excess sourdough discard that’s generated during the feeding process.
This guide will take you through numerous creative, delicious, and sustainable ways to use your sourdough discard such as Cinnamon Rolls without any waste. Whether you’re new to sourdough or a seasoned pro, you’ll find innovative ideas to make the most of your discard.
What Is Sourdough Discard?
Sourdough discard refers to the portion of the sourdough starter that is removed during the feeding process. When maintaining a sourdough starter, bakers need to regularly “feed” the mixture with fresh flour and water to keep it active and strong. Part of the old starter must be removed to make room for the new feedings—this portion is called sourdough.
Though it’s called discard, it’s far from useless. Sourdough discard consists of partially fermented flour and water, still rich in nutrients and flavor. While discard doesn’t have the same leavening power as active starter, it still contains the beneficial bacteria and enzymes that can enhance various baked goods. Its slightly tangy taste can be used in a variety of recipes, from savory to sweet.
Why Sourdough Discard Is Useful
Using sourdough discard is a great way to minimize waste in the kitchen. Reducing food waste is more important than ever, and sourdough discard provides an opportunity to reuse ingredients that would otherwise be thrown away. Not only does using discard help the environment, but it also gives you the chance to explore new flavors and culinary possibilities.
Beyond environmental benefits, sourdough discard also contains beneficial bacteria from the fermentation process. These bacteria, along with other enzymes, aid in digestion and add depth to the flavor of your recipes.
To see just how versatile sourdough discard can be, check out this guide from King Arthur Baking on how to store and use sourdough discard effectively.
Simple Sourdough Recipes to Get Started
When you begin experimenting with sourdough, you’ll find that it’s easy to incorporate into a wide range of recipes. These recipes are perfect for bakers of all levels and show just how versatile sourdough discard can be.
1. Pancakes and Waffles
One of the most popular and easy uses for sourdough discard is in breakfast recipes like pancakes and waffles. The slightly tangy flavor adds a unique twist to these traditional dishes. Simply substitute some of the liquid in your pancake or waffle batter with your sourdough for extra flavor and texture.
Recipe Tip:
- Use about ½ cup of discard for every 1 cup of flour in your recipe.
- The acidity in the discard pairs well with sweet toppings like maple syrup and fruit.
2. Crackers
Crackers are another easy and versatile way to use sourdough. Combine your discard with flour, oil, and seasonings to make a simple dough. Roll the dough thin, cut into squares, and bake until crispy. These crackers are perfect for serving with cheese or dips and can be seasoned with herbs or spices for extra flavor.
Recipe Tip:
- For extra crunch, roll the dough as thin as possible.
- Sprinkle with coarse salt, sesame seeds, or dried herbs before baking.
3. Flatbreads
Flatbreads made with sourdough discard are delicious and can be used as a base for a variety of toppings. All you need is some sourdough discard, a little flour, and olive oil to create a simple dough. Cook the flatbreads on a hot griddle or bake in the oven for a quick and flavorful addition to any meal.
Recipe Tip:
- Top with fresh herbs, garlic, or even cheese for a more robust flavor.
- Serve alongside dips like hummus or tzatziki for a Mediterranean-inspired snack.
For more simple and creative recipe ideas using sourdough discard, take a look at this collection of recipes from Little Spoon Farm.
Baking with Sourdough : Tips and Tricks
While sourdough discard is easy to use, there are a few tips and tricks that will help you get the best results when baking with it.
- Adjust the Recipe: When adding discard to a recipe, you’ll often need to adjust the liquid and flour ratios since the discard already contains some moisture. It’s generally a good idea to reduce the liquid by 10-15% in the recipe.
- Sweet vs Savory: Sourdough can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. For sweet recipes, consider balancing the tangy flavor by increasing the sugar content slightly. For savory dishes, the tang works well with herbs, cheese, and spices.
- Storage: If you don’t plan to use your discard immediately, store it in the refrigerator. Discard can last up to a week in the fridge, and if you have more than you can use, you can freeze it in small portions for later use.
- Don’t Use Too Much: While sourdough enhances flavor, too much can overwhelm a recipe. A good rule of thumb is to use no more than ¼ to ½ cup of discard in most recipes, depending on the total volume of ingredients.
Advanced Uses for Sourdough Discard
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start experimenting with more creative and advanced uses for sourdough discard. These ideas will take your sourdough game to the next level.
Savory Dishes Using Sourdough
- Sourdough Pizza Dough: Use sourdough to make a flavorful pizza dough. The tangy flavor of the discard adds depth to the dough, making it perfect for pairing with traditional pizza toppings.
- Sourdough Discard Crackers: While basic crackers are delicious, you can take it a step further by adding different herbs, spices, and seeds to the dough. Rosemary, thyme, and even grated Parmesan can turn simple crackers into gourmet snacks.
- Biscuits and Dumplings: For soft, flaky biscuits or hearty dumplings, sourdough discard can be incorporated into the dough. The acidity in the discard helps to tenderize the dough, making these baked goods extra fluffy.
Sweet Treats Made from Sourdough Discard
- Sourdough Brownies: Yes, you can make fudgy, rich brownies with sourdough discard! The tang from the discard complements the sweetness of the chocolate, creating a complex and delicious dessert. You only need to swap a portion of the liquid in your recipe with discard for a new twist on classic brownies.
- Sourdough Cookies and Cakes: Sourdough discard works well in a variety of baked goods like cookies and cakes. Try incorporating it into your banana bread recipe for a moist, flavorful treat. Or, use it to make cookies that are both chewy and tangy—perfect for pairing with a cold glass of milk.
- Quick Breads and Muffins: Muffins and quick breads are ideal for using up sourdough discard. You can substitute it for part of the flour and liquid in recipes for zucchini bread, pumpkin muffins, or even blueberry muffins.
Using Sourdough Discard in Non-Traditional Ways
Beyond the oven, there are several non-traditional ways to use sourdough discard that might surprise you.
- Pasta Making: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding sourdough discard to your homemade pasta dough. The discard adds a slight tang and enhances the texture of the pasta, making it a perfect match for robust sauces.
- Tortillas or Pita Bread: Sourdough discard can also be used to make soft and flavorful tortillas or pita bread. These are great for wraps or as a base for Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
- Breading for Frying: Use sourdough discard as a base for breading meat or vegetables before frying. The tang from the discard adds a unique depth of flavor to fried dishes like chicken or fried zucchini.
- Feeding Pets: In some cases, you can use sourdough discard to feed pets like chickens or even compost it to create nutrient-rich fertilizer. Just make sure the discard is fully cooked and unsalted before feeding it to animals.
FAQ: Common Questions About Sourdough Discard
Here are some common questions about sourdough discard and how to use it effectively in your kitchen:
1. What happens if I use too much sourdough in a recipe?
Using too much discard can result in overly tangy or dense baked goods. Start with smaller amounts (about ¼ cup) and increase gradually if needed.
2. Can I freeze sourdough discard?
Yes, sourdough discard can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply portion it into small, freezer-safe containers and thaw before use.
3. How long can I keep sourdough discard in the fridge?
You can keep sourdough discard in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
4. Can I use sourdough discard directly in bread-making?
While sourdough discard lacks the leavening power of an active starter, it can still be added to bread dough for extra flavor.
5. Can sourdough discard go bad?
Yes, if left too long, sourdough discard can develop mold or an unpleasant odor. Always check your discard before using it.
Conclusion
Incorporating sourdough discard into your cooking routine is an excellent way to reduce food waste and introduce exciting flavors to your dishes. From pancakes and crackers to more advanced creations like pizza dough and brownies, sourdough discard offers endless possibilities.
Don’t throw away that excess starter! Instead, experiment with new recipes and discover the versatility of this often-overlooked ingredient. For more inspiration, check out these sourdough discard recipes from Pantry Mama.