January 17, 2011 - 7:31am
Salt Starter
Hello,
I'm going to try making an olive bread recipe and it calls for a "salt starter". I have no idea what this is. I'm not sure if this is just regular salt, sea salt, or something I'm supposed to create. I tried googling it but that wasn't any help. Could anyone offer some assistance.
Thank you!
Darren
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Misunderstanding maybe?
Where did you get this recipe? From a book, newspaper, internet site, etc? Or word of mouth/online forum, etc.
That said, there is such a thing called "salt rising bread", that is made from a unique type starter. Could be it is also called that. That may or may not be it, as usually there are not mentions of variations(olives, etc) when the subject pops up. This method seems to be not very popular, as I think many may feel it is somewhat "scary", or just not worth the bother. You will find a couple or few threads here about it with a site search(box).
You also might do a web search(google, etc) for your phrase.
Could also just be a "pate fermente", which is basically a firm, (typically)yeasted starter which includes salt, whereas most other type starters do not use salt.
Good luck. Let us know what you find out.
that is a biga made with a touch of salt in it?
http://www.food.com/recipe/kalamata-olive-bread-321988
give the recipe another read. Calls for "bread starter" and even gives instructions for making it. Couldn't find a mention of salt starter. Sounds great, think I'll give it a try. I love anything olive, good luck.
Carol
http://teresal.proboards.com/index.cgi? You have to join her forum to see the posts, but she has some interesting ideas about actually using salt in your sourdough starter. Feels that it really helps to improve the sour flavor.
Joanne
Salt Rising bread is actually raised by bacteria rather than yeast. I've never made it. I have heard some bakers say that a very young sourdough culture (where the yeast have not yet gotten a good hold) would produce something like salt rising bread, but they find it a little scary.
The authentic starter has a cornmeal base.
Here is a link to a recipe for salt rising bread including instructions on how to make a salt starter.
http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/salt-rising-bread/Detail.aspx
Happy Baking!
Yikes! That looks like a lot of work! I think I will stick to my plain ol' sourdough....
Joanne