Introduction

Sourdough discard baking has become increasingly popular in kitchens worldwide, but with it comes the inevitable question: what do you do with the sourdough discard? When feeding your sourdough starter, you’re left with a portion that must be removed before adding fresh flour and water. This removed portion, known as “sourdough discard,” is often thrown away, but it doesn’t have to be.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the many delicious ways to use sourdough discard, transforming what could be waste into a culinary asset. From savory snacks to sweet treats, the versatility of sourdough discard is limitless. This article will provide you with several recipes that not only reduce waste but also add incredible flavor to your meals.

What Is Sourdough Discard?

Sourdough discard is the portion of sourdough starter that is removed during regular feedings. To keep your sourdough starter healthy and active, you need to feed it with fresh flour and water, but before doing so, a portion is “discarded.”

While it’s not as active as the fed portion (which you’d use for bread making), sourdough discard is full of tangy flavor and can be used in a variety of recipes. Instead of throwing it away, you can integrate it into your cooking, adding that signature sourdough taste to different dishes.

Key Points About Sourdough Discard:

• Inactive starter: The discard won’t rise bread but can be used in many other recipes.
• Slightly tangy flavor: The longer it’s left unfed, the more sour the flavor becomes.
• Eco-friendly: Reducing waste by using sourdough discard in cooking aligns with sustainable kitchen practices.

How to Store Sourdough Discard

Before we dive into recipes, it’s important to understand how to store your sourdough discard properly. Whether you want to use it right away or save it for later, there are several options.

Short-Term Storage

If you plan to use your discard within a week:

• Refrigeration: Store your discard in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Chilling it will slow down fermentation, preserving the flavor without letting it go too sour.

Long-Term Storage

If you have more discard than you can use immediately, here are a couple of long-term storage methods:

• Freezing: Freeze the discard in a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to use it.
• Drying: Spread a thin layer of discard on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once fully dry, break it into pieces and store in an airtight container for months. To use it, rehydrate with water.

Notes on Sourdough Discard:

• What is Sourdough Discard? Sourdough discard is the portion of sourdough starter that is removed before feeding the remaining starter. This process helps maintain a healthy, active starter without it growing too large.
• How to Use Sourdough Discard: While the discard is not usually active enough for bread leavening, it can still be used in various recipes like pancakes, crackers, cookies, and muffins, adding a unique tangy flavor.
• Storage Tips:
  • Refrigeration: Discard can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure it’s in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the discard for up to a few months. Use ice cube trays or portioned containers for easy use in future recipes.
• Sourdough Discard in Recipes:
  • Adds flavor and moisture to baked goods.
  • Can replace some of the flour and liquid in recipes for a distinctive sourdough taste.
• Nutritional Benefits: Contains probiotics (if used fresh), making it a healthy addition to recipes. It’s also high in fiber and protein from the flour.
• Creative Uses: Experiment with sourdough crackers, pizza dough, waffles, or even savory dishes like sourdough flatbreads or dumplings. Discard can be used in both sweet and savory recipes.

Top Sourdough Discard Recipes

Now that you know how to store it, let’s explore the most popular and creative ways to use your sourdough discard. Whether you prefer something sweet or savory, sourdough discard can elevate everyday dishes.

1. Sourdough Discard Pancakes

Sourdough discard pancakes are a classic way to use up your discard. They’re light, fluffy, and have a slight tang that makes them extra special.

Ingredients:

• Sourdough discard
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Sugar
• Milk
• Eggs
• Melted butter

Instructions:

1. Whisk the dry ingredients together and mix in the sourdough discard, milk, eggs, and melted butter.
2. Heat a griddle over medium heat and pour small amounts of batter to form pancakes.
3. Flip when bubbles form on the surface and cook until golden brown.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream for a delicious breakfast.

2. Sourdough Discard Crackers

For a savory snack, sourdough discard crackers are an excellent option. They’re crispy, flavorful, and perfect with cheese or dips.

Ingredients:

• Sourdough discard
• Whole wheat flour
• Olive oil
• Dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, etc.)
• Sea salt

Instructions:

1. Combine the sourdough discard, flour, and olive oil to form a dough.
2. Roll out the dough thinly between two sheets of parchment paper.
3. Sprinkle with dried herbs and salt, then cut into squares.
4. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until golden and crisp.

Serving Suggestion: Enjoy with hummus, cheese, or as part of a charcuterie board.

3. Sourdough Discard Banana Bread

Banana bread is a beloved treat, and using sourdough discard adds a subtle depth of flavor. This recipe is a great way to combine two kitchen staples—ripe bananas and sourdough discard.

Ingredients:

• Sourdough discard
• Ripe bananas
• Flour
• Sugar
• Baking soda
• Vanilla extract
• Melted butter

Instructions:

1. Mash the bananas and mix them with sourdough discard, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
2. Add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
3. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes.

Serving Suggestion: Serve warm with a pat of butter or enjoy as a quick snack.

4. Sourdough Discard Pizza Crust

For a pizza night with a twist, try making your pizza dough using sourdough discard. The tangy flavor of the discard adds an interesting layer to the classic pizza crust.

Ingredients:

• Sourdough discard
• All-purpose flour
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Warm water

Instructions:

1. Combine the discard, flour, olive oil, salt, and water to form a dough.
2. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, then let it rest for 1-2 hours.
3. Roll out the dough, add your favorite toppings, and bake in a preheated oven at 450°F for 10-15 minutes.

Serving Suggestion: Top with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and your choice of toppings for a delicious homemade pizza.

5. Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Cookies

Yes, sourdough discard can even be used in desserts! These chewy, slightly tangy cookies have a unique flavor that pairs wonderfully with chocolate chips.

Ingredients:

• Sourdough discard
• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Butter
• Baking soda
• Vanilla extract
• Chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Cream the butter and sugar, then mix in the sourdough discard and vanilla.
2. Stir in the flour, baking soda, and chocolate chips.
3. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

Serving Suggestion: Enjoy warm with a glass of cold milk.

6. Sourdough Discard Waffles

Waffles made with sourdough discard are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The discard gives the waffles a slight sourness that balances well with sweet toppings.

Ingredients:

• Sourdough discard
• Flour
• Baking powder
• Eggs
• Milk
• Butter

Instructions:

1. Mix all the dry ingredients, then stir in the wet ingredients, including the sourdough discard.
2. Preheat your waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Serve with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.

Serving Suggestion: These waffles are perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Why Use Sourdough Discard in Recipes?

Sourdough discard adds more than just flavor to your recipes; it also contributes a range of textures and can help reduce waste in the kitchen. Here are some reasons to consider incorporating discard into your cooking:

1. Sustainability

By using sourdough discard, you reduce the amount of food waste in your kitchen. Instead of throwing away a perfectly usable ingredient, you’re creating new and exciting dishes with it.

2. Flavor

Sourdough discard imparts a unique tangy flavor to both sweet and savory dishes. This slightly sour taste can elevate recipes like pancakes, crackers, and banana bread, giving them an edge over their traditional counterparts.

3. Nutritional Benefits

While sourdough discard won’t contribute to the leavening of bread, it still contains the same beneficial bacteria that make sourdough a healthier option than traditional bread. These probiotics can aid in digestion and promote better gut health.

Conclusion

Sourdough discard is a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can be used in many delicious recipes. From pancakes and crackers to banana bread and cookies, the possibilities are endless. By utilizing your sourdough discard, you not only reduce waste in

Frequently Asked Questions about Sourdough Discard

1. What exactly is sourdough discard?
Sourdough discard is the portion of your sourdough starter that you remove before feeding it. It’s the excess starter that isn’t needed for maintaining a healthy, active starter.

2. Is sourdough discard the same as sourdough starter?
While sourdough discard comes from the starter, it’s not as active as the starter itself because it hasn’t been freshly fed. It can’t be used to leaven bread but is perfect for other recipes like pancakes, crackers, and waffles.

3. Can I use sourdough discard straight from the fridge?
Yes! You can use refrigerated sourdough discard directly in recipes. Just be sure to give it a quick stir before adding it to your ingredients.

4. How long can sourdough discard last in the fridge?
Sourdough discard can last up to one week in the fridge. After that, it may start to develop an overly sour taste or grow mold, in which case it should be discarded.

5. Can I freeze sourdough discard?
Absolutely! Sourdough discard freezes well and can last for several months in the freezer. It’s a great way to save up discard for future use. Make sure to freeze it in portions, so it’s easy to thaw and use.

6. What can I make with sourdough discard?
Sourdough discard is incredibly versatile. You can use it in recipes like pancakes, muffins, crackers, cookies, pizza dough, flatbreads, waffles, and even quick breads. It adds a nice tangy flavor to your baked goods.

7. Does sourdough discard have any nutritional benefits?
Yes! Sourdough discard is rich in fiber, protein, and the beneficial bacteria from the fermentation process, especially if it’s relatively fresh. It can add a slight nutritional boost to your recipes.

8. Can sourdough discard be used to make bread?
No, sourdough discard isn’t active enough to leaven bread on its own. However, you can use it in recipes that don’t rely on yeast or leavening, or as a flavor enhancer in bread alongside a traditional leavening agent like baking powder or commercial yeast.

9. How often should I discard from my sourdough starter?
Typically, you discard a portion of the starter every time you feed it, which could be daily or weekly, depending on how often you use and feed your starter.

10. Can I skip discarding my sourdough starter?
Skipping discard will cause your sourdough starter to grow in size and can dilute the yeast and bacteria, making it less active over time. Discarding is important for keeping your starter healthy and balanced.

11. Why does sourdough discard smell sour or alcoholic?
It’s normal for sourdough discard to have a slightly sour, tangy, or even mildly alcoholic smell due to the fermentation process. This is a sign of healthy microbial activity. However, if it smells unpleasantly off, like mold or rot, it’s best to throw it out.

12. How do I know if sourdough discard has gone bad?
Sourdough discard that has gone bad may develop mold, have a funky, unpleasant smell, or turn an unusual color. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to discard it and start fresh.

more recipes: different recipe ways:

Ask me !

What’s your favorite way to use sourdough discard? Do you have any creative recipes or tips to share with the community? Let us know in the comments below!

• Facebook
• Pinterest

pizza

Pizza is one of the most beloved foods worldwide, with a rich history, numerous regional varieties, and countless ways to enjoy it. Whether it’s a simple Margherita….