Feeding Sourdough Starter: My Best Tips & Tricks. How one L.A. restaurant created the perfect fish sandwich for Jordan Peeles Nope, Downtowns NoMad Hotel reopens as Hotel Per La with a new rooftop bar and restaurant, Column: Choco Taco isnt authentic, but this Mexican respects it. Emilie, can the dough for these crackers be frozen as you would pie crust or cookie dough? Find out more. @want.and.knead. Extra starter is not discard so much as it is a kind of secret ingredient, one that can be spooned into any number of recipes rather than down your drain, which is not a good idea for your plumbing (compost it instead) or your current frugality. This means that my starter is with 70 % hydration. Its the most popular discard recipe on my blog. Easy to throw together, but so hard to resist! Sourdough starter or hooch that develops fuzzy mold or pinkish/orange colored liquid or streaks should be thrown out. The texture should be thick, bubbly, and pourable. How to properly store sourdough starter discard for later use (in recipes), Unconventional Ways to Use Sourdough Starter Discard (no recipe needed), 60+ Zero Waste Recipes for Sourdough Starter Discard, Gluten Free Sourdough Starter Discard Recipes, Seriously Addicting Spicy Sourdough Discard Cheese Crackers, the liquid that collects on the starters surface after several days or weeks of no refeeding, gluten free sourdough starter discard recipes, Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Easy Sourdough Discard Muffins with Orange and Cardamom, Quick Oatmeal and Chocolate Chip Sourdough Muffins, Sourdough Blueberry Muffins with Crumb Topping, Dangerously Addicting Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls, Double Chocolate Sourdough Discard Brownies, Apple Cider Donuts with Sourdough Discard, Sourdough Starter Lemon Cake with Sugary Glaze, Homemade Sourdough Pasta With Spicy Sauce, Everything But the Bagel Sourdough Discard Crackers, Sourdough Gourmet Crackers (for cheese platters), Buttery Parmesan Sourdough Discard Crackers, Sourdough Crackers with Herbs and Olive Oil, Rosemary Olive Oil Sourdough Discard Crackers, Easy Gluten Free Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls, Gluten Free Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies, Gluten Free Sourdough Discard Pizza Crust, 60+ Zero Waste Sourdough Starter Discard Recipes, How to Make Worm Tea (for Gardens, Lawns, + More), What Are Worm Castings? Swirl the pan around to coat. For thin and fluffy pancakes:Add all of the ingredients together and chill overnight. Thank you for sharing all your expertise and knowledge with us, I use your book often in my sourdough baking! Its slow fermented bread. Find out more! Sometimes it takes up to two weeks or more for a homemade starter to become active. Did you find this post helpful? Whisk gently until a smooth batter forms; some lumps are ok. If you weighed these two examples, respectively, youd get different amounts in grams. We love the Spelt Sesame Crackers, Cheese Thyme Crackers and the Yoghurt Skillet Flatbreads are a must. I have been trying to use my discards but failed every sourdough recipe, at least my expectations for great food . You can use any amount youd like. Chewy edges. Typically, when first making a starter, the discard is not the best quality (its very acidic, discolored etc). Enter sourdough pizza crust. These are the best sourdough discard pancakes Ive ever made! The amount you pour off can be fed in a separate bowl to create a new starter or levain.. 1. Sprinkle with salt and herbs or spices (fennel pollen! Thank you :). More in the fridge awaiting cooking tomorrow and I know who will want them. People are really struggling this year from Covid. Required fields are marked *, Notify me if Emilie replies to my comment. Waste? A post shared by Amy Scattergood (@ascattergood) on Apr 20, 2020 at 6:17pm PDT. Super informative post!!! I wonder if it would help to put some white rice in the container (wrapped in some cheesecloth or something) as well as the crackers. March 31, 2021 by Erin Hendrickson, RDN 2 Comments. Kylee xxx, Kylee, ahhh this makes me so happy! I do have a question though how do you make a starter with stronger flavor my husband and I really enjoy a very strong sourdough flavor and very few in the markets or farmers market now days are as flavorful and strong . It smells like it should, but is watery.This is my 3rd try. Do you really have to throw it away? Ooo, this sounds so good. No added flour or eggs. Keywords: homemade pancakes, fluffy sourdough pancakes, how to make pancakes, sourdough discard pancakes, Tag @theclevercarrot on Instagram and hashtag it #theclevercarrot. Oftentimes, its not in good condition (however there are always exceptions). Im on my 6th day with my starter, it is bubbling away but not growing. You might want to try a different brand of flour for comparison. Or, throw some in a jar (I use this one) and share some with a friend! With zucchini season around the corner I would love to have this recipe if possible. So soft and fluffy! Should I change something? These can then be frozen. Your email address will not be published. Do a deep dive into King Arthur Flours website, which includes recipes that use starter in many things, including biscuits, pancakes, cakes, cookies, crackers and pizzas, as well as the obvious breads. If I wanted to make starter for a friend, with my discard would I then feed it as if its day 1 in your making a starter post? They were absolutely delicious! For anyone who cant do dairy, I used oat milk and Earth Balance and they were still amazing. I look forward to trying the sweeter discard recipes. Thanks for the support, friends! Emilie, Your email address will not be published. For example, if youre giving away 40 g of discard, feed it with 40 g of flour + 40 g of water. Its made by feeding the sourdough discard directly (not the starter thats left in the jar). You make everything so clear. Thank you! Heres a real life scenario: Lets say you have about 1 cup of sourdough discard for pancakes. Mix flour, sourdough starter, cheese, melted butter, and hot sauce together. You are very welcome. Ahh love to hear this! You dont want to rush upfront to be disappointed later. However, the warmer it is, the faster your dough will rise. are the book recipes on line? thank you for so much discard inspiration! 2. Going in the oven this morning. For years I have not eaten bread due to incredible discomfort. I have a questions. Youve said that the difference is that the discard is a portion of the starter that is not used for baking. To serve, stack the warm pancakes on a platter for your guests to help themselves. Yum. Beyond that, it wont go bad necessarily, it will just become more acidic as time goes on (especially in warm weather). Split dough in half and shape into two rectangular pieces. You LOVE pizza. Make Nancy Silvertons warm sourdough chocolate cake, the recipe for which predated the pandemic and Instagram. Its more accurate and youll get better results. We are having the thick and fluffy pancakes this morning. This technique is crucial for successful sourdough bread. Ive updated the post to include it too! Karen. This daily feeding (of equal parts flour and water) insures that the starter becomes active enough to bake bread and in the process produces a daily excess of starter, which has come to be called discard, a word I greatly dislike. Am I supposed to be targeting certain spots specifically for discard, and that is what makes the discard qualitatively different from the remaining starter? Ive made starter with pineapple juice, potatoes, grapes, dried cultures from Bahrain and Finland, torn-up old bread and locally grown and ground rye flour. Thank you for your time, commitment and inspiration! Makes me want to make some sourdough dough just for the discard. To streamline these variations, bakers typically follow a standard weight/volume conversion chart. Hi Brittany! Love this post Emilie! Repeat the cooking process until you are finished with the batter. Hi Marion! Maybe the Ohio weather is too humid . Theyre slightly different. This tip came from cookbook author Naomi Duguid, who was also the first person to tell me I could make starter using a slice of old bread rather than the slightly more complicated recipes requiring fermented fruit or vegetables. It all boils down to whats practical for the baker. When I discard, am I not just discarding a fixed amount of the starter itself? :), Good Morning I love your book and have made many recipes. Sourdough discard is the portion of your starter that is removed and discarded before feeding whats left in the jar. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. What Im confused about is, how is this any different than the starter? By leaving a star rating and review, it will help others find my recipes and tutorials too. Reference this of extensive list of over 60 recipes to reduce your sourdough baking waste! My husband really enjoyed them so much that I have made a second batch, baked them & refrigerated them for tomorrows breakfast. Amy Scattergood is the former editor of the Los Angeles Times Food section and a former member of the Food reporting team. I hate throwing away discard and this pancake recipe is perfect. Hi Ruby! 3. But keep in mind, youll need to analyze the bread dough recipe youre following as well. Does it smell like gym socks? Turn baking dish halfway to ensure all sides bake evenly. Squidgy middles. Hi Nicole! Anyway, thx, this ones a keeper! Does it have a dark liquid on top? Additionally, it can be ground up and used as batter or bread crumb coating for certain recipes.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'nowastenutrition_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_3',113,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-nowastenutrition_com-large-leaderboard-2-0')}; There are tons of recipes for leftover sourdough starter discard. 1. Thank you for these wonderful fluffy discard sourdough pancakes. ;). This section is incredibly important. Frozen discard can last in the freezer for one year.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'nowastenutrition_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',112,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-nowastenutrition_com-banner-1-0')}; Theres some debate on whether freezing kills off all the beneficial bacteria that yeast feeds on, or if it just allows them to hibernate. 7. Yes! I have a general discard question, is it normal for things to come out with a slightly more chewy texture because of the sourdough? Technically, a levain is an offshoot of your mother starter. Just seasoned discard. No need to add the leavening agents separately. The Flatbreads make fantastic pizza bases and I love them with fennel seeds or cumin seeds and cooked with a little ghee and use lactose free yoghurt. Transfer dough to a lightly oiled baking sheet. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'nowastenutrition_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_8',109,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-nowastenutrition_com-medrectangle-3-0')}; Its especially wasteful when youre building sourdough starter from scratch, which could mean weeks of feeding and discarding. Spicy sourdough discard cheese crackers! Its on page 239 of her Breads From the La Brea Bakery, published in 1996, in which youll also find recipes for onion rings, pancakes, doughnuts, dog biscuits and a lot more, all using starter. 4. Make scallion pancakesor trash brownies. And then just start exploring Instagram, where bakers and home cooks have recently been documenting a pretty spectacular array of recipes using starter. To continue, use a scrunched up paper towel to wipe out the skillet. Time, temperature and method effect the fermentation which also contribute to flavor. For thick and fluffy pancakes:Combine the wet and dry ingredients EXCEPT for the baking powder and baking soda. Tap the link in our profile for the recipe, grab your sourdough starter, and start grating cheese its pizza time! Hi Caila! They were also the most beautiful pancakes ever! I am super confused, so isnt the discard and the starter the exact same thing? An easy, one-bowl recipe for fluffy homemade pancakes using leftover sourdough discard. But if life happens, explore the following options below and see what works best for you.In the Fridge:Some bakers collect and save their sourdough discard overtime in the fridge. Jessica Koslows toast shop is currently feeding restaurant industry workers as part of the Lee Initiative; her jam is also very good atop much of what you make with sourdough starter. Please see my thoughts below! Erin Hendrickson is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and freelance writer. The overnight mixture was definitely a big hit with my daughter and grandchildren. My dog loves them too.). Let the batter sit for at least 5 minutes to aerate; it should be nice and bubbly before using. If you attempt to revive the discard for sourdough bread baking, you may run into some issues. Feed the kids and get some breakfast for yourself while youre waiting for your dough to rise and reading about Parisian boulangeries. For example, if you pour some starter into a bowl (discard) and feed it with rye flour, youve just created a levain. So again Thankyou for all your efforts. Its a good one :), Very helpful explanation but I havent yet cooked it I lobe your artisan book ! Add starter to sourdough pancakes. Would it make to use it for pancakes? 2. 5. Heres the link to my Sourdough Zucchini Bread recipe (click here). Form into a smooth, cohesive ball of dough. Hi, Im a missionary in Belize and I am wondering why there is no sourdough here? This was such a success! Sourdough baking was a thing long before the pandemic the earliest risen loaves date back a few thousand years but youve got to move beyond banana bread sometime, especially if you cant find any bananas or commercial yeast. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'nowastenutrition_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_13',149,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-nowastenutrition_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0')};Finally, one of my all time personal favorites from the No Waste Nutrition recipe archives! When the edges begin to puff up and bubbles appear on the surface, flip it over. Sourdough is honestly life changing. Six reasons you should never throw away sourdough starter discard! Unless Is there a *specific* portion of the starter that I am supposed to be discarding? Some locals want them to go home, Inside the battle for control of a legendary music club and the soul of a high desert town, Monster Northern California fire explodes, threatens multiple communities, Column: The new generation of smug American expats in Mexico needs to face the truth, 16 L.A. places to go on a friend date because friends deserve quality time too, I survived a one-day fried chicken crawl in L.A. Heres where to go, Its sort of like were back to 2020: L.A. dining scene braces for possible indoor masking return, Diana Kennedy, who spent decades documenting Mexican regional cuisines, dies at 99, Our 2022 Gold Award winner is Meals by Genet, Anajak Thai is our 2022 Restaurant of the Year. Required fields are marked *. 6. I just started my sour dough journey and made the overnight pancake batter with my first discard. Defrost overnight in the fridge. They warm up so nicely in the microwave oven, taste just freshly made. In a large bowl, whisk the dry ingredients together. Store frozen leftover discard up to a year. Glad you liked them. Have leftover sourdough discard? Is is suitable to use this kind of starter discard for recipes calling for 100% hydration discard? You know, to be honest, thats a good question. Thats a great question, Tami. (Yes, my starter is named Magnus.). Marlene, Im so glad youve found it helpful. Cook for another minute or so. Just make sure its unbleached for best results. So for example, if you have 30 g of sourdough discard, feed it with 30 g flour and 30 g water to get it going. Can discards be used to start new starter or do you just start feeding it right away to make new starter? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'nowastenutrition_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',110,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-nowastenutrition_com-medrectangle-4-0')}; Save unfed sourdough starter discard for later with one of these methods: Sourdough starter can last a surprisingly long time stored in the fridge. As always, thanks for your support! I decided to go with the weight and added more to equal the 190 g called for in your recipe. Excellent information and easy to follow directions. They were lovely and fluffy and went well with Strawberries, Blueberries, and cream. I dont get it. Which measurement is more important in your recipes? Purchased your book which has easy to follow recipes and great photos. See the full recipe below. Thank you. They are amazing! My kids wouldve loved them. Break dried discard into pieces and store in an air-tight container in the pantry for extended storage. I have made both versions of the pancakes. I can understand if you dont use it that day and it might not be active, is that what your saying. Thank you for your recipes. If not, its ok (and totally normal). How did you like the buttermilk/sourdough texture? For maybe the most straightforward method, take a cup of starter, stir in 1/4 cup of olive oil and spread the mixture on a Silpat-lined baking sheet. If you can have a video of discarding and feeding, it will help beginners like me. 9. Thank you!! I do hate to waste the discard but never quite knew exactly what it was. Crackly top. Sourdough baking can unfortunately create a lot of waste. In my experience, you tend to forget it about unless youre really organized. I like the idea of saving some and giving to a friend. Whether youre trying new recipes or passing it on to friend, understanding sourdough discard is the key to its versatility and sustainability. The next day, sift the powders directly over the bowl and whisk again to combine. For example, some might pack it down in the measuring cup, whereas others lightly spoon and level the flour. *This post contains affiliate links. I dont know, but you should start a trend! And your tips- love it! Strong sourdough flavor comes from a variety of factors. Next grocery trip, Im getting some blueberries so I can try the Blueberry Crumb Cake Bars! Is there any way to prevent this ? Your email address will not be published. Hi Meredith! Recipes made with older discard will have a noticeably tangy or sour taste. It can be at room temperature or come directly from the fridge.The texture is less bubbly (if bubbly at all) when compared to fluffy active starter.Sourdough discard is not active enough to make bread dough rise, and despite its name the discard does not have to be thrown away. In your case, for best results, Id just wait until your starter is active (either on day 7 or beyond). She lives a low waste lifestyle with her husband in Nashville, TN. My favorite was to use the discard is to add seasonings like thyme and rosemary and then fry a pancake size in PAM. This method is great for those who bake several times a week but cannot commit to using the discard right away. And dont forget: because there are so many variables when it comes to sourdough, feel free to experiment and see what works best for you. Hi Marie! Enjoy the journey :) xx, So funny that this is your post today. I think that when you are about to feed the discard, the starter is not as active because you havent fed it yet. Copyright 2022 No Waste Nutrition on the Foodie Pro Theme. 10. Its only approximate. Add more butter if the pan gets too dry. Luckily, there are several ways to make sourdough more sustainable, and here youll learn how to use, store and create incredible sourdough discard recipes the whole family will enjoy. Hi Kat! Process into a crumb mixture for use as a breading or crunchy topping, or, sauce thickener (works with cheese, gravy, or plain white/Bechemel sauces), soup thickener (instead of flour or cornstarch), crunchy topping for salads, stir fry, or desserts (dehydrated sourdough starter). Ive been given it too, which is the most fun: in an exchange behind a truck at a local farmers market, from a baker with instructions in Japanese, sealed in a sous-vide bag at Fvikens bakery in Sweden. We are in Minnesota- wondering if that makes a difference? 6. Certain brands of high protein bread flour will make the dough more chewy and tough, and if the dough is not fermented properly (gluten under or over developed), the texture will change as well. Must say this is the easiest, and most consistently delicious sourdough pancake recipe (and I say this based on trying many other recipes over the last several months). Heres a list of what to do with your extra starter, other than or after baking boule after boule of sourdough bread. You want to use your sourdough starter in more recipes, and 2. That also depends on the season (because the room temperature differs depending on what season it is I believe). 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups). I am feeding my starter this way: 25 gr starter : 100 gr flour : 70 +/- water. Absolutely. I use your Fluffy Sourdough Pancake recipe all the time, adding walnuts or pecans sometimes. This way, youll discard less and use only what you need. (The site also has handy Zoom backgrounds so you can pretend youve gotten a job at the Vermont bakery. Thanks SO much. When combined with sourdough, the acidity levels tenderize the final product. Pour 1/3 cup of batter into the pan. The nature of sourdough shouldnt be rushed. Discard is a portion of your sourdough starter that is not used for baking. Crackers may be baked directly on baking sheet, on parchment paper, or silicone baking mat. This makes a big difference. Heres the thing: most bakers use sourdough discard right away. Its chewy, open-crumbed crust is the perfect solution for both using up sourdough discard and satisfying your never-ending pizza cravings. Re-feeding encourages more yeast and healthy bacteria growth, so that the starter expands in preparation for baking. With specifics to flour, we all measure differently. These two factors work hand in hand. Yum! Yes: this is correct. I want to use buttermilk instead of milk in the pancake recipe. Since the discard is already established the feeding ratio would be slightly different. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The explanation is very useful and I have started my starter :) Thank you Really delicious pancakes! Its the fructan in wheat I cannot tolerate so anyrate I am SO incredibly happy I can now eat Bread and unbeknown to you, you have been a big part of my journey. FYI: Because sourdough discard does not have rising power, baking soda and/or baking powder can be added to boost the rise. The idea of adding walnuts to these pancakes sounds really delicious and your egg sandwich is GENIUS. Save this post for over 60 sourdough starter discard recipes to use up all your leftover sourdough baking waste! Mostly the starter adds some acidity and depth of flavor, in much the same way that adding yogurt to recipes does. Anyways I started my first today and am wondering if I should still wait 48 before 1st feeding ? Can I just make the starter with white flour if no whole wheat is available? Add extra milk, 1 tbsp at a time, to thin out the texture if needed. If it works for salt and wet cellphones, it should absorb the humidity in the crackers too, I would think. Learn how to use, store and create incredible sourdough discard recipes at home without the waste. Keep feeding it and youll see some growth sooner or later. Next time, give them more time to cool on the sheet pan (they will continue to crisp) to be on the safe side. Please let me know if you have any more questions :)). Cant wait to try more of your recipes. There you'll find her tweaking the budget, planning the next adventure, and learning how to actually cook! If theres mold on it, just throw it away. Curious your thoughts. If I am just starting my sourdough starter, can I use the discard immediately after the first discard portion or do I have to wait after a couple discards before using it in a recipe? Its also easy to make yourself, requiring only some old whole grain bread, water, flour, consistent feeding and the wild yeast in the air. Or, store the discard in the fridge and then feed it later on to create a new starter. This may take 24-72 hours depending on location. Just feed it with equal parts flour and water by weight. Allow the starter to dry out completely until brittle. You put it in the fridge and go about your business.A week later youre ready to make the pancakes. Have plenty of pure maple syrup, fresh berries and powdered sugar at the ready. Its extremely versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory recipes.We love these Sourdough Blueberry Crumb Cake Bars; this soft and velvety Sourdough Banana Bread; and these highly addictive Puffed Gruyere & Thyme Crackers from my book Artisan Sourdough Made Simple. Lastly, discard may be dehydrated for long term pantry storage. Thanks so much for such thorough instructions and explanations. How would the baking soda and baking powder measurements change? However, instead of throwing it away, it can be used in conjunction with baking soda or baking powder. It doesnt have to be a full on 100% whole grain starter; just add a tbsp. Hi! Store up to 2 weeks in airtight container. I just posted my recipe for sourdough discard donuts with black and white cookie ganache. It may seem inconvenient or too time consuming to save the discard, but its worth it. Roll out each section of dough on a floured surface or parchment paper to about 1/16 inches thick. I appreciate very much. Let cool before munching or transferring to an airtight container. 3. I have question about hydration and discard. I hope my comment was helpful. I have followed you recipe to a T. What am I doing wrong. I havent tried it. You can do a lot of things with sourdough starter other than baking bread. Other times I defrost them slightly, toast to a golden crisp and use as the bread in an egg and cheese open face sandwich. The grams to volume conversion is not equivalent. No. Bread flour or ap flour works. Thanks so much! The acidity level and texture of your sourdough starter is one of them, so lets start there. The options are endless when it comes to cooking and baking with sourdough starter discard. Add the wet ingredients. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I noticed in the second picture, below the blueberry cake, that is appears to be zucchini in the bread, but I dont find a zucchini recipe any place. Hope you get a chance to check it out and tell me what you think! When ready to use, simply remove from the freezer and allow to thaw for a few days in the fridge. A beginners guide to delicious hand-crafted bread with minimal kneading. But the ones I stored in a container were stale (not crisp) the next day. (All About Natures #1 Fertilizer), 16 Methods of Composting (For any Budget or Space). It should look fresh, but not discolored with grey or pink spots. Interestingly enough, many bakers actually have zero interest in sourdough discard recipes. Bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown. And thank you for Artisan Sourdough Made Simple. The directions are so clear and easy to understand. As part of the feeding process, most bakers discard some of their sourdough starter before adding fresh flour and water to the jar. If your discard doesnt smell or look right, its most likely not. Finally, in the ultimate mashup of quarantine recipes, there is sourdough banana bread. Place the pancake onto a sheet pan and keep warm in the oven while you cook the rest. But nevertheless, the discard can be frozen in a small container and defrosted overnight in the fridge. The batter can be made overnight or on the same day- its up to you! 100% sourdough discard double chocolate toasted hazelnut goobuckets. No need to refeed before using in other recipes. Humid weather will definitely effect the texture of the crackers. Sue, they look SO MUCH better than mine. Am I doing something wrong??? The standard weight for 1 cup of flour is 120- 130 g. When in doubt, especially in bread baking, go by weight. They are amazing. Absolutely! Dont throw it away! Yes, fried chicken. Plus, it can take several rounds of feeding and discarding to get enough to use in other recipes. Next time I will do the overnight pancakes. You can do it both ways. Feeding sourdough starter requires discarding most of the starter and then re-feeding it with more flour and water. Use the 1:1:1 ratio. Do I use the discard firm the 3rd day or wait until the 7th day?!! But what does the discard look like now? Did you know leftover sourdough starter discard can also be used as thickening agents for sauces and soups? Or fried chicken. Not ideal for sweet recipes.In the fridge, it will keep for about a week or so, and in the freezer it will last indefinitely. Puffed Sourdough Crackers with Gruyere & Thyme . Send me the 5x5 Meal Planning guide! Thank you for your wonderful recipes and expert advise. I love the slightly sour flavor. Is it possible to make it quicker if it is warm and humid ?