Is there a substitute for sourdough starter?

Richard Bergman
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5 Comments

AntoniaJames March 2, 2018
You might find this thread helpful: https://food52.com/hotline/35622-how-can-i-use-baker-s-yeast-instead-of-sourdough-culture

Also, to get a bread closer in flavor to one with a sourdough starter, you can start the bread with a "poolish" - a portion of the flour + water, with just a tiny bit of yeast, which you let ferment for 12 - 24 hours before adding the rest of the flour and water, + salt and more yeast.

Do you have a particular recipe that you'd like to convert? If you provide a link, or more information about the ingredients and method in the bread you're thinking about making, I'd be happy to assist further. ;o)
 
Pamela M. December 27, 2018
Hi Antonia, I am trying to find a way to substitute sourdough starter in my favorite gluten free sourdough boule - link below.. We all love this bread made with my sourdough starter (affectionately called "the beast"), but my daughter is about to travel abroad and keeping up a sourdough starter may be a bit challenging for her. We would greatly appreciate any suggestions you might have. Here is the link. FYI, for anyone gluten free, this is the best GF bread any of us have ever eaten!
https://www.culturesforhealth.com/learn/recipe/gf-sourdough-recipes/gluten-free-sourdough-whole-grain-boule/

Thank you so much!!
Pamela
 
MNLisaB March 2, 2018
Might a long cold ferment in fridge 7-20 hours help give a tangier flavor?
 
Smaug March 2, 2018
I can't really recommend it, but some do use vinegar in their dough.
 
Stephanie B. March 1, 2018
I would argue no. If you want that sourdough flavor, you need the fermentation from sourdough starter. You could maybe try adding something like buttermilk, but I don't think it would be the same and I'm not sure how regular yeast would work with that acidity.

If you just want leavening, then commercial yeast will be fine. Maybe try making a preferment to help with the depth of flavor in the absence of sourdough.

Is there a specific recipe you have in mind?
 
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