How To Use Sourdough Discard & Sourdough Discard Recipes

How to Use Sourdough Starter Discard: Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

If you’ve been making your own sourdough bread, you’ve probably come across the term "sourdough starter discard." It’s that extra bit of starter you throw away when you’re feeding your sourdough culture, but don’t let it go to waste! Instead of tossing it out, why not put it to good use? Sourdough discard is packed with flavour and can be used in all sorts of delicious recipes. In this post, we’ll show you how to make the most of your sourdough discard and share some yummy ideas you can try at home.

What’s Sourdough Starter Discard?

Sourdough starter discard is simply the excess portion of your sourdough starter that you remove when feeding it fresh flour and water. You typically discard it to keep your starter manageable, but it actually has so much potential! That tangy, slightly fermented flavour can be used in all sorts of baking and cooking, adding a wonderful depth to your recipes.

Why Use Sourdough Discard?

Here are a few good reasons to start using your sourdough discard instead of throwing it away:

1. Less Waste: By using your discard, you’re reducing food waste and getting the most out of your ingredients.
2. Extra Flavour: The sourdough discard brings a unique tang to recipes that you just won’t get from regular flour and water.
3. Super Versatile: Sourdough discard can be used in so many recipes, from sweet to savoury, so you’ve got endless options!

Delicious Recipes Using Sourdough Starter Discard

1. Sourdough Discard Pancakes

These pancakes are a real treat! They’re light and fluffy, with a lovely tang from the sourdough discard. Perfect for a weekend breakfast.

Ingredients:

• 240g sourdough starter discard
• 240ml milk
• 30g melted butter
• 1 egg
• 15g sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 125g plain flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, milk, melted butter, egg, sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until combined (don’t overmix!).
4. Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it.
5. Pour about 60ml of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on both sides.
6. Serve with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whatever toppings you fancy!

2. Sourdough Discard Crackers

Crunchy, tangy, and perfect for snacking or pairing with cheese. These sourdough discard crackers are super easy to make and will impress everyone who tries them.

Ingredients:

• 240g sourdough starter discard
• 125g plain flour
• 60ml olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 1/4 tsp dried rosemary (optional)
• 15-30ml water (if needed)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.
2. In a bowl, combine the sourdough discard, flour, olive oil, salt, and any optional seasonings you like.
3. Stir until a dough forms. If it feels too dry, add water a little at a time until it comes together.
4. Roll the dough out between two sheets of parchment paper until it’s very thin (about 3mm thick).
5. Cut the dough into squares or rectangles with a knife or pizza cutter.
6. Place the crackers on a baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
7. Let them cool and enjoy!

3. Sourdough Discard Pizza Crust

Fancy a homemade pizza with a twist? This sourdough discard pizza crust has a lovely chewy texture and a subtle sour tang that pairs beautifully with your favourite toppings.

Ingredients:

• 240g sourdough starter discard
• 120g plain flour
• 60ml warm water
• 15ml olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (optional, for extra rise)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the sourdough discard, flour, warm water, olive oil, salt, sugar, and yeast (if using).
2. Stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes on a floured surface until it’s smooth.
3. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise for 1-2 hours if you’re using yeast, or 30 minutes for a less-risen crust.
4. Preheat your oven to 240°C (220°C fan) or 475°F.
5. Roll the dough out to your desired thickness and transfer it to a greased baking sheet or pizza stone.
6. Add your favourite pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings, then bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
7. Slice up and enjoy!

4. Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are a real crowd-pleaser, and the sourdough discard adds a lovely, tangy twist that balances out the sweetness of the chocolate.

Ingredients:

• 120g sourdough starter discard
• 115g butter, softened
• 100g brown sugar
• 50g granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 190g plain flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 170g chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.
2. In a bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and sourdough starter discard, mixing until smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips.
7. Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.
9. Allow them to cool slightly before digging in!

Tips for Using Sourdough Starter Discard

• Storage: You can store your sourdough discard in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure it’s at room temperature before using it in your recipes.
• Experiment with Flavours: Sourdough discard is so versatile! Try adding herbs, spices, or even sweet ingredients like cinnamon to give your recipes a personal touch.
• Patience is Key: If you’re using your discard in things like pizza dough, don’t expect a huge rise. The discard adds flavour, but it won’t rise as much as fresh starter. Just let the dough rest and it’ll still taste amazing.

Final Thoughts

Sourdough starter discard doesn’t have to be wasted—it’s a flavour-packed ingredient that can elevate so many recipes! From fluffy pancakes to crunchy crackers and chewy cookies, there are endless ways to put your discard to good use. So next time you’re feeding your starter, remember to save that discard and get creative in the kitchen. You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can become so delicious.