How can I get sourdough starter in the UK?

Question

I'd love to be able to make sourdough bread, but I know it's usually passed between friends and family and not easy to get going on your own!

Answer 1

INGREDIENTS

250 g all-purpose flour

475 ml warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)

7 g active dry yeast  

DIRECTIONS

Mix together flour, warm water, and yeast in a large glass bowl. Let stand uncovered in a warm place over night or up to 48 hours. The longer the mixture stands, the stronger the ferment will be.

After fermenting, the starter is ready to use or to store covered in the refrigerator. Feed once or twice a week with 1 cup milk, 1 cup flour, and 1/4 cup sugar; allow the starter to rest at room temperature for several hours after feeding.

Answer 2

I have 2 ways for you to make a sourdough starter.

If you already make bread save a lump of uncooked dough about the size of your fist, put it in a bowl and leave in a warm place for 3 or 4 days.  It should smell sour but not nasty.

Add 500 g flour and 400 ml warm water.  Mix well to make a sloppy batter, cover and leave in a warm place for 24 hours.  It can then be used to make bread.  

If you are going to make bread regularly, save enough of your starter to fill a jam jar, cover tightly and leave in a cool place until you make your next bread.  It should keep for up to a week.  Use the rest of the starter to make your bread.  

Each time you make bread, use the reserved starter to make the batter and keep back a jar full for next time.

the starter should be bubbly when you use it.

This should be enough to make 2 loaves using 1 k flour

If you want to make a starter from scratch.

Mix together 100g/4oz flour & 100ml/4fl oz water.

Cover and leave at room temperature for 24 hours.

Stir in another 100g/4oz flour & 100ml/4fl oz water.

Cover and leave at room temperature for 48 hours.

Stir in 100g/4oz flour and 100ml/4fl oz water and leave in a warm place for 24 hours or until required for bread making.

I can't remember where I got this from, it may have been a self sufficiency book.

Hope it's clear enough and is what you're after.

Answer 3

I think you might be able to use natural yogurt, as this naturally contains yeasty stuff.  Never tried it myself though.

http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/22...