Sourdough Discard Recipes: Try these two recipes!
Don’t toss out your sourdough discard. Did you know you can transform that “waste” into something mouthwatering and delightful? Sourdough discard recipes are gaining popularity as both culinary enthusiasts and home cooks explore the creative benefits of repurposing their leftover starter in delicious new ways. In this article, we’ll dive into two delicious recipes — sourdough discard pizza dough and sourdough discard pancakes — that we can reduce food waste and create tasty and sweet new dishes.
By the end of this article, you’ll have everything you need to make these mouthwatering dishes, along with variations for different dietary preferences and expert tips to perfect your cooking. Plus, we’ll share some exciting serving suggestions and storage tips to ensure your sourdough discard recipes stay fresh and flavorful!
Table of Contents
Ingredients: Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough & Pancakes
Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough Ingredients:
- 1 cup sourdough discard (room temperature)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (for a heartier option, you can use whole wheat flour)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar (optional to feed the yeast)
- ½ cup warm water
- 1 tsp dried oregano or basil (optional for flavour)
Sourdough Discard Pancakes Ingredients:
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter or oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional for sweetness)
- ½ cup milk (or plant-based milk for a vegan version)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
Substitutions and Variations:
- Flour: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free blend or almond flour in the pancakes.
- Milk: For dairy-free alternatives, feel free to use oat, almond, or soy milk .
- Egg: For a vegan version, simply swap the egg with a flaxseed or chia egg — just mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water.
Sensory Descriptions:
The sourdough discard pizza dough will yield a perfectly chewy yet crisp crust with a slightly tangy flavour — a result of the sourdough starter’s natural fermentation process. The pancakes will be wonderfully fluffy and rich, thanks to the butter or oil. These recipes are sure to wow your taste buds, as well as impress your family and guests.
Time Comparison:
- Sourdough discard pizza dough: 1-1.5 hours total (includes resting time)
- Sourdough discard pancakes: 20 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions for Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough
Step 1: Mix Ingredients
First, grab a large bowl and mix together the sourdough discard, olive oil, and salt. Then, add the warm water and gently stir everything together until well combined.
Step 2: Add Flour
Continue stirring and add the flour one-half cup at a time until a dough forms.
Step 3: Knead Dough
Transfer the formed dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is both smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment if preferred.
Step 4: Let It Rest
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rest for at least 1 hour (or longer, for more flavour development).
Step 5: Shape & Bake
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out the dough to your preferred size and top it with your favourite pizza toppings. Bake until golden and crisp(about 6 min). Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Sourdough Discard Pancakes
Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients
Whisk together the sourdough discard, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk in a large bowl.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
In this step, you need to be careful. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined, making sure not to overmix — the batter should be a little lumpy.
Step 4: Cook Pancakes
Using butter or oil, grease a preheated non-stick skillet. Scoop about ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Let it cook until you see bubbles on the surface, then flip it over and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until it’s golden and crispy.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
The last step is to serve them warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or your favourite toppings. These pancakes are great for breakfast to start your day!
Nutritional Information
Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough (per slice, assuming eight slices per pizza):
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 4g
- Fats: 7g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
Sourdough Discard Pancakes (per pancake):
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 3g
- Fats: 5g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
Comparison: Compared to store-bought pizza dough, which can contain preservatives and added sugars, homemade sourdough discard dough is a healthier, fresher alternative. Likewise, these pancakes are far lighter than many commercially made versions!
What are the Healthier Alternatives and Variants for Sourdough Discard Recipes?
For those looking to make healthier swaps, here are some ideas:
- Sourdough Discard Without Yeast: It’s very easy! You just need to skip the yeast for a lighter, non-yeast-based recipe by this simple tip: Adjust the flour to incorporate more liquid and flavour from the sourdough discard.
- Sourdough Discard Without Flour: For a keto or grain-free option, use ground almonds or coconut flour as a substitute for traditional flour.
- Sourdough Discard for Beginners: If you’re new to sourdough, I’m here to help you make easily your own one! Start with a simple pancake recipe — no need for fancy pizza dough. And slowly experiment with pizza dough as you get more comfortable.
- Sourdough Discard Recipes for Breakfast: You can use the discard in savory breakfast dishes like sourdough waffles or savory pancakes loaded with herbs and cheese.
According to nutritionist Sarah Lee, “Adding greens like spinach or kale to your pancakes not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the vitamin profile of the dish!”
Serving Suggestions
For Pizza Dough:
- Top with fresh basil, mozzarella, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a simple yet elegant dish.
- Enjoy this healthy dough with a refreshing green salad on the side for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
For Pancakes:
- Pair with Greek yoghurt, fresh berries, and a drizzle of honey for a healthy, protein-packed breakfast.
- Throw on a little cinnamon and a handful of nuts to give it that perfect boost of flavor and crunch.
FAQs
How do I use sourdough discard in recipes?
You can use sourdough discard in lots of recipes to add a unique, tangy flavor. It works great in dough, pancakes, muffins, and more, replacing some of the flour or yeast you might normally use.
Can I make sourdough discard recipes without yeast?
Definitely! Many sourdough discard recipes, like pancakes, don’t need extra yeast. The sourdough starter itself already helps with the rising, so you can skip the yeast altogether.
Is sourdough discard safe to eat?
Yes, it’s totally safe! Sourdough discard is just the leftover starter, and as long as it’s been stored properly, it’s perfectly fine to eat in your recipes.
Try these dishes, get creative with your own variations, and share your results in the comments below. Have any tips or questions? Drop them here — we’re always excited to chat and help!
