Sourdough Starter the Easy Way that Actually Works with LESS Flour, by Melissa K. Norris - Modern Homesteading on YouTube. 10 min 22 s.
- Video length
- 10 min 22 s
- Time to do it
- 7 days
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Wash a pint jar and let it dry. A small jar is enough because you only keep a few tablespoons of starter at a time.
Add 2 tablespoons of flour and 2 tablespoons of lukewarm water to the jar. Stir well until no dry flour remains.
Scrape down the sides with a spoon, then cover the jar with a cloth or a lid set loosely so air can escape.
Leave the jar in a warm spot, around 70 to 75 F, out of direct sun. Check it after 12 hours for bubbles.
Once a day, scoop out all but 2 tablespoons of starter. Add 2 tablespoons fresh flour and 2 tablespoons water and stir.
Watch for the starter to double in size a few hours after feeding. That rise means the yeast is active.
Keep feeding daily for about 5 to 7 days. The starter is ready when it doubles reliably and smells pleasantly sour.
Store the jar in the fridge between bakes. Feed it once a week, or take it out and feed it a day before you bake.
Tips and common mistakes
Use filtered or bottled water if your tap water is chlorinated, since chlorine can slow the yeast.
Whole grain flour feeds the starter faster, but all-purpose flour works fine once it is active.
If a dark liquid forms on top, pour it off and feed the starter more often.
Keep the jar small so you throw away less flour with each feeding.
Questions
How do I know the starter is ready to bake with?
It should double in size within 4 to 8 hours of feeding and smell sour and yeasty. If it only bubbles but never rises, keep feeding daily for a few more days.
Can I use a metal spoon or bowl?
Yes, stainless steel is fine for stirring. Glass or ceramic jars are easiest to watch for bubbles and rising.
What if my starter grows mold?
Throw it out and start fresh in a clean jar. Mold means the wrong microbes took over, and it is not safe to keep.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
