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Sourdough Discard Recipes: Zero Waste Baking

Transform starter discard into delicious pancakes, crackers, and quick breads with these tested recipes.

Eco Baker Maria
January 1, 2024
7 min read

Sourdough Discard Recipes: Zero Waste Baking


Maintaining a sourdough starter means regular feeding, which generates discard. Instead of throwing away this valuable ingredient, transform it into delicious treats that reduce waste and expand your baking repertoire.


Understanding Sourdough Discard


What is Discard?

Discard is the portion of starter removed before feeding. It contains active cultures and developed flavor, making it perfect for various recipes.


Using Unfed vs. Fed Discard

  • **Unfed discard**: More tangy, acidic flavor
  • **Fed discard**: Milder taste, more active cultures
  • Both work in recipes with different flavor profiles

    • Essential Discard Recipes


    Sourdough Discard Pancakes

    Makes 12-15 pancakes


    Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sourdough discard
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp melted butter

    • Method:

    1. Combine dry ingredients in large bowl

    2. Whisk wet ingredients separately

    3. Combine wet and dry until just mixed

    4. Cook on griddle until bubbles form and edges set

    5. Flip and cook until golden brown


    Crispy Sourdough Crackers

    Makes about 60 crackers


    Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sourdough discard
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2-3 tbsp water (if needed)
  • Toppings: seeds, herbs, coarse salt

    • Method:

    1. Mix all ingredients until dough forms

    2. Roll very thin between parchment paper

    3. Score into squares

    4. Brush with olive oil, add toppings

    5. Bake at 450°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy


    Sourdough Discard Muffins

    Makes 12 muffins


    Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sourdough discard
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 large egg
  • Mix-ins: berries, chocolate chips, nuts

    • Method:

    1. Preheat oven to 375°F

    2. Combine dry ingredients

    3. Whisk wet ingredients including discard

    4. Fold wet into dry until just combined

    5. Add mix-ins if using

    6. Bake 18-22 minutes until golden


    Quick Bread Recipes


    Sourdough Discard Quick Bread

    Transform discard into a versatile loaf:

  • Replace 1/2 cup flour in any quick bread recipe with discard
  • Reduce liquid slightly to compensate
  • Adds tangy flavor and tender texture

    • Sweet Variations

  • **Banana bread**: Add discard for extra moisture
  • **Zucchini bread**: Balances sweetness with tang
  • **Coffee cake**: Creates tender crumb

    • Savory Applications


    Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough

    Quick pizza base using discard:

  • 1 cup discard + 1 1/2 cups flour
  • Form dough, rest 30 minutes
  • Roll and top as desired
  • Bake at high heat

    • Flatbreads and Naan

    Use discard for soft, pillowy flatbreads:

  • Mix with flour, yogurt, and seasonings
  • Cook in hot skillet
  • Perfect for dips and wraps

    • Coating for Fried Foods

    Discard makes excellent coating:

  • Mix with flour and seasonings
  • Use for chicken, vegetables, or fish
  • Creates crispy, flavorful crust

    • Storage and Planning


    Refrigerator Storage

  • Store discard in sealed container
  • Keeps 1-2 weeks refrigerated
  • Accumulate over several feedings

    • Freezer Storage

  • Freeze in measured portions
  • Use freezer-safe containers or bags
  • Thaw overnight before using
  • Keeps 2-3 months frozen

    • Weekly Planning

    Plan discard recipes around feeding schedule:

  • Feed starter regularly
  • Collect discard in container
  • Bake treats when enough accumulates

    • Adjusting Regular Recipes


    Substitution Guidelines

    When adapting regular recipes:

  • Replace up to 1/2 of flour with discard
  • Reduce liquid by 1/2 the amount of discard used
  • Account for salt in discard
  • Expect tangier flavor

    • Leavening Adjustments

    Discard affects rising:

  • For quick breads: Maintain baking powder/soda
  • For pancakes: Discard adds lift
  • For yeasted items: Reduce commercial yeast slightly

    • Creative Applications


    Sourdough Discard Doughnuts

    Fried treats with tangy twist:

  • Mix discard into yeasted doughnut dough
  • Adds flavor complexity
  • Tender, airy texture

    • Pasta and Noodles

    Fresh pasta with sourdough character:

  • Replace some flour with discard
  • Creates tender, flavorful noodles
  • Excellent for homemade pasta

    • Cocktail and Beverage Uses

    Creative liquid applications:

  • Sourdough cocktail rim salt
  • Fermented beverage bases
  • Unique flavor additions

    • Tips for Success


    Flavor Balance

  • Start with small amounts of discard
  • Taste and adjust seasonings
  • Balance acidity with sweetness or fat

    • Texture Considerations

  • Discard adds moisture and tenderness
  • May make items more dense
  • Adjust leavening as needed

    • Timing

  • Use discard at peak flavor
  • Don't let it get too acidic
  • Fresh discard often works best

    • Using sourdough discard reduces waste while creating delicious foods that showcase the unique flavors developed in your starter. Experiment with different recipes to find your favorites.


    Looking for more discard inspiration? The SourdoughAI app includes a complete database of tested discard recipes with automatic scaling.


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