Reviving a dormant sourdough starter from the fridge is a straightforward process, even for households that bake occasionally. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you revive your starter successfully:
Step 1: Remove from the Fridge
Take the sourdough starter out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature. This could take a few hours or up to half a day, depending on how cold your fridge is.
Step 2: Discard or Use Part of the Starter
Once your starter is at room temperature, it's time to refresh it. Start by discarding a portion of the starter. The discard amount could be half or even three-quarters of the total starter, depending on the quantity you have. You can either discard the excess or use it to bake something (like sourdough pancakes or discard crackers) if you don't want to waste it.
Step 3: Feeding
After discarding, you'll want to feed the remaining starter to rejuvenate it. To do this, add equal parts (by weight) of flour and water to the remaining starter. For example, if you have 100 grams of starter, add 50 grams each of flour and water. Mix everything thoroughly until it forms a smooth batter-like consistency.
Step 4: Let It Ferment
Allow the refreshed starter to ferment at room temperature. The time needed for fermentation can vary based on room temperature and the activity of your particular starter. In general, it can take anywhere from 4 to 12 hours for the starter to become active and bubbly again.
Step 5: Look for Bubbles
Check your starter periodically for signs of activity. You should see bubbles forming on the surface, and the starter should increase in volume. If your starter has doubled in size or shows plenty of bubbles, it's ready to use in your recipes. If it hasn't become active yet, give it more time to ferment.
Step 6: Maintain and Store
Once your starter is successfully revived, you can either use it immediately in your baking recipe or put it back in the fridge to slow down its activity until the next time you need it. If you don't bake often, it's a good idea to refresh and maintain your starter once a week or so to keep it healthy and active.
Remember, sourdough starters are living organisms, so they require regular feeding and care. By following these steps, you can easily bring your dormant sourdough starter back to life and enjoy baking with it whenever you desire.