Don't Waste Your Sourdough Discard: Creative Ways to Use It

What is sourdough discard?

Sourdough starter and sourdough discard are basically the same thing. The discard is just the active starter that you remove when you feed your starter. It is called discard because it is often "discarded" during your starter's feeding. If you don't discard some of your sourdough starter when you feed it, it will continue to grow exponentially until it becomes an unmanageable blob! OK, maybe it isn’t that dramatic but it can be pretty darn overwhelming when the sourdough starter takes over the kitchen counter.

So, what can you do with sourdough discard?

With the joy of sourdough baking comes the dilemma of what to do with the sourdough discard. Throwing it away seems wasteful, but you don't want to end up with a pantry full of sourdough crackers. Sourdough discard is such a versatile ingredient that adds moisture, nutritional value and a unique delicious flavour to your dishes.

Luckily, there are several creative ways to use your sourdough discard:

1. Bread: You can use sourdough discard in place of some or all of the flour, water, and yeast in your bread recipe. This will add a tangy, sour flavour to your bread. When making sourdough bread, adding a bit of the discard to the dough can give it extra flavour and texture.

2. Pancakes and Waffles: One of the easiest and most popular ways to use sourdough discard is to make pancakes. Simply mix the discard with flour, milk, eggs, and sugar, and cook them up on a griddle. The tangy flavour of the sourdough pairs perfectly with sweet toppings like syrup or fresh fruit. Pancakes made with sourdough discard also have a fluffy texture and a unique, slightly sour taste.

3. Crackers: If you're looking for a savoury snack, sourdough discard crackers are a great option. Mix the discard with flour, oil, and seasonings, roll the dough out thin, and bake it in the oven until it's nice and crispy. You can experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or even smoked paprika. Sourdough discard crackers are a great way to use up your discard and make a delicious snack at the same time.

4. Cookies: Add sourdough discard to cookie dough for a unique flavor and texture.

5. Biscuits: Mix sourdough discard into your biscuit dough for a tangy and flaky treat.

6. Pizza Dough: Use sourdough discard as a starter for your pizza dough to add a sour, tangy flavor to your pie.

7. Muffins: Mix sourdough discard into your muffin batter for a sour and tender muffin.

8. Ferment vegetables with sourdough discard: Another creative way to use your sourdough discard is to ferment vegetables with it. The lactic acid produced by the sourdough starter will help preserve the vegetables and give them a tangy flavour. Simply mix the discard with water and salt, and add your favourite veggies like cucumbers, carrots, or radishes. Fermenting vegetables with sourdough discard is a great way to add probiotics to your diet and reduce food waste.

Remember that using sourdough discard in recipes may affect the rise and texture of the final product, so you may need to experiment to find the right balance.

Don't let your sourdough discard go to waste. Whether you're making pancakes, bread, crackers, or fermenting vegetables, there are plenty of creative ways to use it up. By using your sourdough discard, you'll not only reduce food waste but also add a unique, tangy flavor to your meals. So, next time you're left with a pile of sourdough discard, get creative and experiment with these tasty ideas!