Sourdough Granola Bars.

How to Transform Your Sourdough Discard into Delicious Granola Bars: A Unique Twist on a Classic Snack

Sourdough bread enthusiasts often find themselves with a surplus of sourdough discard, the leftover starter that can accumulate during the feeding process. Rather than tossing it away, why not transform that discard into something delicious and nutritious? These sourdough granola bars are a fantastic way to put your unused starter to good use. Not only are these bars packed with flavor, but they also provide a satisfying snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

The following recipe is simple and straightforward, and it calls for common ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. By incorporating sourdough discard into granola bars, you are adding a delightful tang and nutritional benefits derived from the fermentation process.

Ingredients Required

Before diving into the recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients needed to create these flavorful sourdough granola bars:

• 160g oats

• 100g sourdough discard

• 80g chocolate chips

• 70g dry roasted peanuts, chopped

• 126g honey

• 96g peanut butter

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp salt

  
  

Having all the ingredients at hand ensures a smooth cooking process, allowing you to enjoy your homemade granola bars sooner.

Instructions to Prepare Your Granola Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). This step is important as it allows the granola bars to bake evenly, resulting in that perfect balance of chewy and crunchy.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, chopped peanuts, and salt. Make sure to mix these dry ingredients thoroughly. This foundation provides the structure of your granola bars, with oats being a great source of whole grains.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, add your sourdough discard, honey, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients until you achieve a smooth consistency. The peanut butter adds richness, while the honey acts as a natural sweetener and binds the bars together.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Fold them together gently until they are just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to less satisfying texture in the final product.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips

Once your mixtures are combined, fold in the chocolate chips. You can customize this step; if you prefer, you can substitute the chocolate chips with dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a healthier twist.

Step 6: Prepare the Baking Tray

Line a baking tray (approximately 8” x 8”) with parchment paper, allowing for some overhang. This will make it easier to remove the granola bars once baked. Pour your mixture into the prepared tray and press it down firmly using a spatula or your hands.

Step 7: Bake

Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on the bars during the last few minutes to ensure they don’t burn.

Step 8: Cool and Cut

Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and allow the granola bars to cool in the tray for at least 10 minutes. Then, carefully lift them out using the parchment paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut the bars into squares or rectangles as desired.

Step 9: Store or Enjoy

Your sourdough granola bars can be enjoyed right away or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to three months.

Homemade Sourdough Granola Bars Ready to Enjoy

Nutritional Benefits of Sourdough Granola Bars

These sourdough granola bars not only taste great but also come packed with numerous health benefits. Oats are a fantastic source of fiber, which is essential for gut health, while the sourdough discard enriches the bars with probiotics that can be beneficial for digestion.

Peanuts add protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. Pairing these with a touch of honey and chocolate makes for a balanced snack that is both nutritious and satisfying.

Why Use Sourdough Discard?

Many bakers struggle with the dilemma of what to do with their sourdough discard. It’s a common misconception that this leftover starter is waste material. On the contrary, sourdough discard is versatile and can be used in various recipes, including pancakes, waffles, and even cookies. Utilizing it in granola bars is just another creative way to reduce waste while feeding your culinary curiosity.

The Perfect Snack for Any Occasion

These granola bars are perfect for a quick breakfast, a midday snack, or even an energy-boosting treat before a workout. They're easy to pack as a healthy snack for school or work. Whether you’re in a rush or have time to enjoy, these bars fit effortlessly into your routine.

Conclusion

Transforming sourdough discard into delicious granola bars is a satisfying and efficient way to minimize waste in your kitchen. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a healthy, customizable snack that caters to both your taste buds and nutritional needs. Next time you find yourself with extra sourdough starter, try whipping up a batch of these versatile granola bars. Your taste buds—and your kitchen—will thank you!

Enjoy snacking smarter with your homemade sourdough granola bars!