Sourdough starters are wonderful things, but they can also produce a lot of discard! Instead of letting it go to waste, turn your extra starter into delicious, fluffy dumplings. And what could be better on a cold Winter day than dumpling in your favorite soup?

Why Make Sourdough Discard Dumplings?

  • Reduce Food Waste: By using your discard, you’re minimizing waste and maximizing the potential of your starter.
  • Add Flavor: Sourdough discard adds a subtle tangy flavor to the dumplings, making them unique and delicious.
  • Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.

How to Make Sourdough Discard Dumplings

Yields: About 12 dumplings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10-15 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces  
  • 1/2 cup sourdough discard
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 egg

Instructions:

  1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Cut in butter: Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Add wet ingredients: Stir in sourdough discard, milk, and egg until combined. Don’t overmix. The dough should be slightly sticky.
  4. Shape dumplings: Drop by rounded tablespoons into simmering soup or broth.
  5. Cook: Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked through and float to the surface.

Tips & Variations:

  • For fluffier dumplings: Gently fold the dough with a fork instead of stirring.
  • Add flavor: Stir chopped herbs like chives, parsley, or dill into the dough.
  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper to the dough.
  • Make ahead: You can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours or freeze.

Serving Suggestions:

These dumplings are delicious in soups, stews, and chili. Try them in:

  • Chicken noodle soup
  • Vegetable soup
  • Beef stew
  • Chili
  • Minestrone

We hope you enjoy these delicious and easy sourdough discard dumplings!

Note: This recipe uses sourdough discard, the portion of your starter that you discard before feeding it new flour and water.