Creating Your Sourdough Starter From Scratch

A proven sourdough starter recipe with step-by-step instructions for creating and maintaining your starter from scratch

Chef Irina Pashkova the co-author of “Fermentation in Desserts” with her sourdough starter

Making a sourdough starter from scratch is simple and rewarding. With just flour, water, and a bit of patience, you can create your own lively culture of wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria. This starter will serve as the foundation for delicious homemade bread and more.

Below is a straightforward recipe to get you started, and you can track your progress using our Fermentation Log Sheet, available via the link after the recipe.

Sourdough Starter Recipe

Ingredients:

• 625 g wholegrain flour (rye, wheat, or a mix; for gluten-free, use sorghum, buckwheat, or brown rice)

• 625 g water

Materials:

• Wide-mouth container (at least 1 liter; glass or food-grade plastic)

• Utensil for stirring (silicon spatula);

• Optional: pH strips.