Are you tired of throwing away leftover bread? Then get ready to transform those stale ends into something truly magical! This Discard English Muffins recipe is not only incredibly easy but also a fantastic way to reduce food waste and enjoy a delicious, homemade breakfast. It's the perfect combination of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, making it a winner for busy weeknights or lazy weekend mornings. These muffins are soft, slightly chewy, and perfect toasted with your favorite toppings. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1/2 cup discard sourdough starter (or other discard, see variations below)
- 1/2 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions:
Step 1: Combining the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add the sourdough discard (or other discard) and olive oil, mixing well to create a smooth mixture.
Step 2: Adding the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough muffins.
Step 3: Preparing the Muffin Tin
Grease a standard 6-cup muffin tin lightly with olive oil or cooking spray. This will prevent the muffins from sticking.
Step 4: Filling the Muffin Tin
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
Step 5: Baking the Muffins
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the muffins for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cooling and Serving
Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your warm, homemade English muffins!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Muffins:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough muffins. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the muffins are baked through. If the toothpick comes out clean, they're ready.
- Let them cool: Allowing the muffins to cool completely prevents them from crumbling when you slice them.
Variations:
- Different types of discard: You can use other bread dough discards, like those from making pizza dough or focaccia. Adjust the liquid as needed to achieve the right consistency.
- Add-ins: Get creative! Incorporate herbs, cheese, seeds, or even dried fruits into the batter for added flavor and texture. Sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan would be delicious!
- Sweet muffins: Add a touch of sweetness by incorporating a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup into the batter.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-180 Protein: 5-7g Carbohydrates: 25-30g Fat: 5-7g
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This Discard English Muffins recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes and homemade cooking that doesn't require a lot of effort or special ingredients. It's a perfect way to minimize food waste and enjoy a tasty treat. Enjoy!