This sourdough starter hack IS NOT the real deal, but it is a quick and acceptable replacement. Using ingredients readily available almost anywhere in the world, it gets things done, and yields that unmistakeable sourdough taste.

Quick sourdough starter made easy

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Sourdough starter hack

How to quickly fake a sourdough starter.

Prep Time5 mins

Proofing20 mins

Total Time25 mins

Keyword: sourdough, yeast

Yield: 1 portion

Equipment

• plastic cup
• plastic spoon or fork

Materials

• 50 g fresh yeast
• 30 ml warm whole milk
• 1 tbsp white sugar
• 1 tbsp soft flour

Instructions

• Using your fingers, rip the fresh yeast into smaller chunks and place in the plastic cup. Note that all utensils and dishes you use for this MUST BE made of PLASTIC OR WOOD.
  
• Add the sugar into the cup and slowly pour the warm (but not hot) milk over the two, stirring as you pour. Combine the yeast, sugar, and milk until relatively even.
• Add flour, pinch by pinch, until the liquid thickens somewhat. You're going for a thinner gravy consistency, not a pudding.
• Let rest in a warm (but not hot) spot for 15 to 30 minutes, until visibly proofed. And proofing will be visible – the cup may overflow and that's just fine.

Notes

Note that this is not exactly like proper sourdough starter and a starter is always best if you can get your hands on it. But this starter hack is quick, readily available almost anywhere in the world, gets things done, and yields an extremely similar result, including that unmistakable sourdough taste.