The Easiest Way to Make a Sourdough Starter

flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: all-purpose flour

Whole wheat flour adds more nutrients and flavor.

water

🥗Healthier: filtered water

💰Cheaper: tap water

Filtered water can improve fermentation.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: sugar

Honey can provide additional nutrients for yeast.

salt

🥗Healthier: sea salt

💰Cheaper: table salt

Sea salt offers trace minerals.

Start with a clean glass or ceramic jar.

Pour in some buttermilk, filling about half of a 16-ounce mason jar.

Add unbleached white organic flour, estimating about half a cup.

Sprinkle a few caraway seeds on top, approximately an eighth of a teaspoon.

Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until combined, aiming for a thick pancake batter consistency.

If the mixture is too thick, add a little more water to reach the desired consistency.

Cover the jar loosely with a beeswax wrap, paper towel, or coffee filter secured with a rubber band.

Set the jar in a warm spot at room temperature, ideally between 70 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit, or near a heat source without direct heat.

Every day or every other day, remove the cover, stir the mixture to aerate it, and then replace the cover.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary