This easy homemade sourdough starter is a 7 day process with 2 simple ingredients, flour and water! For equipment you will need a clean glass jar and a fork! I have been loving making my own sourdough starter! Currently I keep mine on the kitchen bench where it gets a little sun, it likes the warmth. I’ve been using mine in all sorts of homemade sourdough recipes from my sourdough focaccia bread to chocolate sourdough brownie.

homemade sourdough starter in a glass jar recipe

The main thing you need to remember with homemade sourdough starter is it needs to be taken care of properly for at least the first couple of weeks. It’s basically a little mini eco-system, so everything runs like clockwork if it's feed regularly and given a clean environment on a regular basis.

I personally have two different kinds of sourdough starter, 1 x organic sourdough starter and 1 x basic white flour sourdough starter! From my point of view it was easier to just create both at the same time than restarting the process in a month or two. The reason I have 2 x sourdough starters is literally because I wanted to see what the flavor profile difference would be. And I’'ve come to the conclusion that there isn’t much!!!! I’m using the same water for both so I’m guessing the overall nutrient and mineral content is similar, which then gives it a similar taste.

Below is some questions I have had when making my sourdough starters and the answers.

Can I leave sourdough starter out of the fridge?

Yes! In fact when you are first creating it, it needs the warmth to get fermenting. The cold slows fermentation.

My sourdough starter isn’t bubbling?

Don’t worry I thought mine was dead on multiple occasions and it almost stressed me out! Sometimes they can be a little sluggish. It might need more regular feedings, so 2 x feeds per day, it’s too cold where you are keeping it or the water you are using may have chlorine in it. If however it has started to show signs of mold with blue/black mold, looks pink or red, or has a white fur on it then throw it away and start again.

My sourdough starter smells like nail polish remover?

Perfect! Well not perfect but that is just hooch, you may notice a greyish liquid on top. Stir it in and feed your sourdough starter.

Homemade Sourdough Starter

Yield: 1

Author: Paige

Prep time: 15 MinTotal time: 15 Min

This homemade sourdough starter recipe is so easy to make and nurture at home!

Ingredients

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup warm water + a little extra
Day 2 - Day 8: 3 cups all-purpose flour + 1 1/2 cups warm water

Instructions

Day 1: In a clean jar with lid, add 1/2 cup flour and 1/4 cup warm water. Stir with a fork. Add a little extra water, till the texture is wet but quite thick.
Day 2: Leave it, you may notice a little brown/grey liquid or discoloration which is fine.
Day 3: Stir your sourdough starter. Add 1/2 cup flour and 1/4 cup warm warm. Stir with fork. Add a little extra water if needed.
Day 4: Remove half your sourdough starter, discard. Mix in 1/2 cup flour and 1/4 cup warm water.
Day 5: Remove half your sourdough starter, discard. Mix in 1/2 cup flour and 1/4 cup warm water.
Day 6: Remove half your sourdough starter, discard. Mix in 1/2 cup flour and 1/4 cup warm water. Add a rubber band to where the mixture comes up to.
Day 7: Remove half your sourdough starter, discard. Mix in 1/2 cup flour and 1/4 cup warm water. Add a rubber band to where the mixture comes up to. By now your sourdough starter should be doubling in size 3 - 12 hours after it is feed.
Day 8: Remove half your sourdough starter, discard. Mix in 1/2 cup flour and 1/4 cup warm water. Move to a clean jar. Add a rubber band to where the mixture comes up to. When doubled, use part of your starter for a recipe and make sure you feed the remaining starter.
Ongoing: Feed daily by removing 1/2 the sour dough starter and adding 1/2 cup flour + 1/4 cup warm water and give it a clean jar once a week!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

228

Fat

1 g

Sat. Fat

0 g

Carbs

48 g

Fiber

2 g

Net carbs

46 g

Sugar

0 g

Protein

6 g

Sodium

22 mg

Cholesterol

0 mg

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Easy Sourdough Starter Recipe

This easy sourdough starter recipe is homemade, simple to make, and nurture!

Can I leave sourdough starter out of the fridge?

My sourdough starter isn’t bubbling?