How to Make Gluten-Free Sourdough Starter

Gluten-free (GF) sourdough is really easy to make and use. The main thing to remember is that you need to regularly feed it with some gluten-free flour in order to keep it alive. Some uses for GF sourdough starter include making gluten-free sourdough foods such as breads, pancakes, and breads.  I even make GF sourdough waffles! 

You will need:

•  1 small glass jar with lid

• Gluten-free flour (I use a mix of buckwheat, sorghum and brown rice flour)

• 1 tbsp water kefir or kombucha (doesn’t matter if it is flavoured as the flavour will become diluted)

• Chia seeds

• Filtered water

Method: 

Day 1:

Into the glass jar, add 2 tbsp of your chosen GF flour, 1 tsp chia seeds, 1 tbsp kefir/kombucha and 2-3 tbsp of filtered water. Mix together until combined and you have a paste-like consistency (add a little extra water if you need to).  Close with the lid and leave to ferment on your kitchen bench.

Day 2:

The next day, add 1 tbsp of GF flour, ½ tsp chia seeds and a little more water to the jar. Stir well to combine. Close the lid and leave to continue fermenting on the bench. At some stage during day 2, you may see some bubbles starting to form – a sign of fermentation occurring! 

Day 3:

Repeat the steps for day 2, as above. At the end of day 3, your starter should be nice and fluffy. In cooler climates, the fermentation process may take a little longer. Your starter is now ready!  Pop the jar into the fridge until you’re ready to use it. 

Notes:

• If you are not likely to be using your starter for 2 or more weeks, or if you are going away, make sure you feed your starter with some GF flour and a little water, then put back into the fridge. Feed your starter at least every 2 weeks. 

• Whenever I use my starter for some GF sourdough cooking/baking, I add all my starter to the flour/water mix for whatever I’m making. The next day when you’re ready to cook with your activated starter, you need to remember to set aside 2 tbsp or so of the activated/fed starter into a jar to put into the fridge for the next use. If you forget to do this, you will need to follow the above method to grow your starter from scratch again. 

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