Recipes
Homemade Sourdough English Muffins: A Delightful Morning Treat
Jul
Rise and Shine with Homemade Sourdough English Muffins
There’s a certain charm to starting your morning with a homemade treat, and at The Celtic Sourdough Company, we believe there’s nothing better than a freshly cooked sourdough English muffin. Imagine the smell of these golden, chewy delights filling your kitchen as you prepare for the day ahead. Today, we’re diving into the story and allure of sourdough English muffins, and why you should consider making them a part of your breakfast repertoire.
The Magic of Sourdough
Sourdough is more than just a type of bread; it’s a tradition steeped in history and flavor. Our sourdough starter, Colleen, has roots in the Galway and Sligo regions of Ireland. This heritage starter has been lovingly nurtured and passed down through generations, adding a touch of Irish charm to our baked goods. Using a sourdough starter like Colleen brings a unique tang and depth of flavor to English muffins that you simply can’t get from store-bought versions.
Why Choose Sourdough English Muffins?
Sourdough English muffins are a breakfast staple that combines the best of both worlds: the classic texture and shape of English muffins with the distinctive flavor profile of sourdough. Here are a few reasons why they’re worth trying:
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Flavor Explosion: The natural fermentation process of sourdough imparts a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that elevates the humble English muffin to new heights. Each bite is a delightful combination of chewy interior and a slightly crisp exterior.
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Health Benefits: Sourdough is known for its potential health benefits. The fermentation process can help break down gluten, making it easier to digest for some people. It also has a lower glycemic index compared to regular bread, which means it can help keep blood sugar levels stable.
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Perfect Texture: One of the best parts of English muffins is their unique texture, full of nooks and crannies perfect for holding butter, jam, or your favorite spread. Sourdough English muffins take this to another level with their chewy, airy crumb and crisp, golden crust.
A Labor of Love
Making sourdough English muffins from scratch is a rewarding process that connects you to the rich tradition of sourdough baking. It all starts with a bubbly, active starter like Colleen, which acts as the natural leavening agent. The dough requires a bit of patience, allowing time for the natural fermentation to work its magic. But trust us, the result is worth every moment of effort.
Versatile and Delicious
Sourdough English muffins are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them toasted with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey for a simple breakfast, or use them as a base for more elaborate dishes like eggs Benedict or breakfast sandwiches. Their robust flavor and satisfying texture make them a perfect canvas for sweet and savory toppings alike.
Join the Sourdough Movement
At The Celtic Sourdough Company, we’re passionate about sharing the joys of sourdough baking. We believe that everyone should experience the satisfaction of creating their own sourdough masterpieces at home. Our heritage starter, Colleen, is available for purchase, along with detailed instructions to help you on your sourdough journey.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete novice, making sourdough English muffins is a delightful way to start your day. The process is not only fun but also deeply rewarding, yielding a breakfast treat that’s far superior to anything you’ll find in a store.
So, why not give it a try? Embrace the tradition, savor the flavor, and enjoy the unique satisfaction that comes from baking your own sourdough English muffins. Your mornings will never be the same again.
Sourdough English Muffins Recipe
Ingredients
- Sourdough Starter
- o 1 cup active sourdough starter fed and bubbly
- Dough
- o 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- o 1 cup whole milk lukewarm
- o 2 tablespoons honey
- o 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- o 1 teaspoon salt
- Cooking
- o Cornmeal or semolina for dusting
Instructions
- Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- o In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, lukewarm milk, honey, melted butter, and salt. Mix well.
- o Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise:
- o Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise at room temperature for 8-12 hours or overnight. The dough should double in size.
- Shape the Muffins:
- o Lightly dust your work surface with flour and turn out the dough. Roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- o Use a round cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles. Place the circles on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal or semolina.
- o Re-roll the scraps and continue cutting until all dough is used.
- Second Rise:
- o Cover the muffins with a damp cloth and let them rise for about 1-2 hours until they are puffy.
- Cook the Muffins:
- o Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium-low heat. Lightly grease with a little butter or oil.
- o Carefully transfer the muffins to the griddle, keeping the cornmeal side down. Cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. They should reach an internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C).
- Cool and Enjoy:
- o Allow the muffins to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, split them with a fork to reveal their characteristic nooks and crannies.
- o Toast and serve with butter, jam, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
• For a slightly tangier flavor, extend the first rise time to 12-14 hours.
• If the muffins brown too quickly on the griddle, lower the heat to ensure they cook through without burning.
