If you’re an avid sourdough baker, you’ve probably wondered, “What should I do with my sourdough discard?” Each time you feed your sourdough starter, you end up with a leftover portion that needs to be thrown away. However, this doesn’t mean you have to throw it away! Instead, there are countless ways to use sourdough discard in delicious and creative ways.
In this article, we’ll explore a variety of ways to use your discard in both sweet and savory dishes. Additionally, we’ll provide tips on how to store it properly and how to experiment by incorporating it into other recipes. By the end of this guide, you’ll have plenty of ideas to ensure your sourdough discard never goes to waste again.
For more recipes on how to use discard, you can also check out our quick sourdough discard recipes for faster baking options.
What Is Sourdough Discard?
To begin, let’s clarify what sourdough discard actually is. When you maintain a sourdough starter, it must be fed with fresh flour and water on a regular basis to keep it active. During this feeding process, a portion of the starter is removed to prevent it from growing too large. This unfed portion is called sourdough discard.
While this discard isn’t necessary for baking traditional sourdough bread, it can be used in a variety of other recipes. Moreover, using discard in your cooking not only prevents waste but also adds a unique, tangy flavor to your dishes.
For additional recipes and tips, check out this resource on sourdough discard recipes.
Why Do You Need to Discard Part of the Starter?
Many bakers may ask, “Why do I need to discard part of my starter in the first place?” The reason is simple: to maintain the right balance of yeast and bacteria in your starter. If you were to continue feeding your starter without dissubscarding, it would grow too large to manage, and the balance of organisms would be thrown off, resulting in inconsistent bread.
Discarding part of your starter helps keep it healthy and ensures that it continues to perform well during the bread-making process. Additionally, it prevents you from being overwhelmed by too much starter. Fortunately, instead of discarding it entirely, you can put this extra portion to good use in a variety of recipes.
To learn more about maintaining a healthy starter and discard, explore this guide on maintaining a healthy sourdough starter.
How to Store Sourdough Discard
Before starting the recipes, it’s essential to understand how to store your sourdough discard correctly. This allows you to gather enough discard for larger batches of recipes and ensures that it remains fresh and usable for a longer period of time.
Room Temperature Storage
- If you plan to use your discard within a day or two, you can store it at room temperature in a lidded container.
- However, you’ll need to feed your starter daily to keep it from spoiling at room temperature.
Refrigerated Storage
- If you’re not planning to use the discard immediately, the best option is to refrigerate it. Place the discard in a clean, airtight jar, and store it in the fridge for up to several weeks.
- When you’re ready to use the refrigerated discard, simply bring it to room temperature before adding it to your recipe.
Pro tip: If you notice a dark liquid forming on top of your discard (known as hooch), don’t worry. It’s completely normal and a sign of fermentation. Simply stir it back into the mixture before using it.
For a fun snack using discard, you could try baking some sourdough discard crackers which are perfect for snacking or serving with dips.
Creative Uses for Sourdough Discard
Now that you understand what sourdough discard is and how to store it, let’s dive into the many ways you can use it.
1. Baking with Sourdough Discard
One of the easiest ways to use sourdough discard is in baking. Since the discard is made from flour and water, it can be incorporated into countless recipes, adding a subtle tang to baked goods. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Sourdough Pancakes or Waffles
- These breakfast staples are a great way to use up your discard. The tangy flavor from the discard adds an extra layer of flavor, perfectly balancing the sweetness of syrup or fruit toppings.
- Key ingredients: Discard, eggs, milk, baking powder, sugar.
- Sourdough Pizza Crust
- It can also be used to make a flavorful pizza crust. In fact, the tanginess of the discard pairs wonderfully with savory pizza toppings, making your homemade pizza even better.
- Key ingredients: Discard, flour, olive oil, yeast, salt.
- Sourdough Biscuits
- Adding sourdough discard to biscuit dough results in soft, flaky biscuits with a hint of tang. These biscuits are perfect with butter, jam, or even as a side for dinner.
- Key ingredients: Discard, flour, butter, baking powder, milk.
2. Using Sourdough Discard in Savory Dishes
Similarly, sourdough discard isn’t just for baking sweet treats. It can also be incorporated into a variety of savory dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Crackers
- Sourdough crackers are easy to make and are perfect for snacking. You can customize them with different herbs, spices, or even cheese to create your own unique flavors.
- Key ingredients: Discard, flour, olive oil, sea salt.
- Sourdough Focaccia
- Focaccia is an excellent bread for using sourdough discard. The discard adds a subtle tang to the bread, making it a perfect companion for soups, dips, or even sandwiches.
- Key ingredients: Discard, flour, olive oil, herbs, salt.
- Flatbreads
- In addition to traditional bread recipes, flatbreads can also benefit from the flavor of sourdough discard. These flatbreads are quick to make and can be topped with your favorite ingredients or used as a base for sandwiches.
- Key ingredients: Discard, flour, olive oil, yogurt, salt.
3. Sweet Treats with Sourdough Discard
For those with a sweet tooth, sourdough discard can elevate your desserts to a whole new level. From banana bread to cookies, here are some delicious ways to incorporate discard into sweet treats:
- Sourdough Banana Bread
- The natural tang from sourdough discard pairs perfectly with the sweetness of ripe bananas, resulting in moist, flavorful banana bread.
- Key ingredients: Discard, bananas, flour, sugar, eggs, butter.
- Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Sourdough discard can even be used in cookies! By adding it to your cookie dough, you’ll get a chewier texture with a slight tang that complements the richness of the chocolate.
- Key ingredients: Discard, flour, butter, sugar, chocolate chips.
- Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
- Imagine soft, gooey cinnamon rolls with a hint of sourdough tang. These make for a perfect weekend treat!
- Key ingredients: Discard, flour, butter, cinnamon, sugar.
If you’re a fan of sweet treats, don’t forget to try our collection of sourdough discard recipes for sweet treats, ranging from cookies to cakes!
Substituting Sourdough Discard in Recipes
Another great use for sourdough discard is substituting it in your existing recipes. Since sourdough discard is made of equal parts flour and water, it can be used to replace some of the flour and liquid in recipes such as muffins, cakes, and quick breads.
How to Substitute Sourdough Discard:
- Measure your discard: When substituting sourdough discard, measure it out and adjust the amount of flour and liquid in your recipe accordingly.
- Adjust the recipe: Subtract the same amount of flour and liquid from the recipe as you are adding in sourdough discard. For instance, if you’re adding 100g of discard, subtract 50g of flour and 50g of water from the recipe.
- Experiment with quantities: Start by replacing up to one-third of the flour with discard. As you experiment, you can increase the amount to suit your taste.
- Add leavening agents: Since discard doesn’t have the same leavening power as active starter, you may need to add additional baking powder or soda to ensure proper rise in your baked goods.
For those interested in understanding the science behind sourdough fermentation and how it affects the baking process, you can explore this comprehensive resource on the science behind sourdough fermentation.
Looking for something even easier? Check out our guide on the ultimate chia seed pudding for a quick, nutritious recipe that complements your sourdough snacks perfectly.
Best Recipes for Sourdough Discard
If you’re looking to try something new with your sourdough discard, here are a few recipes to inspire you:
Classic Sourdough Waffles
- Ingredients: Sourdough discard, eggs, milk, baking soda, sugar.
- These light and crispy waffles are a perfect way to start your day, and the discard adds just the right amount of tang.
Sourdough Crackers
- Ingredients: Sourdough discard, olive oil, flour, herbs, sea salt.
- Homemade crackers are an easy and delicious way to use up discard. They’re perfect for snacking or serving at a party.
Sourdough Pizza Dough
- Ingredients: Sourdough discard, flour, yeast, olive oil, salt.
- This pizza dough is chewy, flavorful, and a fun way to use your discard on pizza night.
Classic Sourdough Pancakes
- Ingredients: Sourdough discard, flour, eggs, baking soda, milk.
- These pancakes are fluffy and light, with a tangy twist that makes them unique and delicious.
FAQs About Sourdough Discard
How Long Can I Store Sourdough Discard?
Sourdough discard can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks. If kept at room temperature, it should be used within a day or two to prevent spoilage.
Can I Use Sourdough Discard Without Refrigerating It?
Yes, you can use sourdough discard that has been left out, but it’s best to use it as soon as possible. Refrigerating it extends its freshness.
How Do I Adjust a Recipe to Include Sourdough Discard?
To adjust a recipe, simply replace some of the liquid and flour with sourdough discard, and add extra leavening agents if needed to ensure proper rise.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sourdough discard is far more than a byproduct of your sourdough starter—it’s an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in countless recipes. Whether you’re whipping up breakfast pancakes, savory crackers, or indulgent cinnamon rolls, sourdough discard adds a unique flavor and texture to your creations.
By experimenting with sourdough discard, you can reduce waste and enhance your cooking, all while adding that signature tang to your dishes. So, the next time you feed your starter, don’t throw away that discard—turn it into something delicious instead. The possibilities are endless, and your kitchen will never be the same!
For even more ways to use discard, visit our complete guide to sourdough discard recipes.
