Sourdough Workshop & Recipe: A Sweet Little Find in Kahuku
Tucked inside the Kahuku Sugar Mill food truck area, The SM Collective is a cozy shop with locally made gifts, Kahuku merchandise, and calming aromatherapy items that invite you to linger. It’s the kind of place where you pop in “just to browse” and leave with something you didn’t know you needed.
The shop also hosts weekly keiki art workshops (follow @the_sm_collective for schedules) that bring the community together.
A Hands-On Sourdough Workshop in Kahuku
In May 2026, The SM Collective hosted a sourdough making workshop. The class was led by two seasoned bakers, Kathy and Bridget, whose love for sourdough was obvious from the moment we started.
Not only did they walk us through the process step by step, but they also treated us to some incredibly delicious samples (seriously—so good!). Even better, they sent us home with our own starter so we could keep the magic going.
What Makes Sourdough Special?
Sourdough isn’t just bread—it’s a process. Traditional sourdough is made using a living starter and relies on wild yeast and natural fermentation. That’s what gives it that signature tangy flavor we all love.
But the benefits go beyond taste. Sourdough can be:
- Easier to digest
- Better for nutrient absorption
- More gentle on blood sugar levels
- More filling and satisfying
And unlike many store-bought breads, it’s completely free of preservatives. Simple, wholesome, and delicious.
What You Need to Make Sourdough
Ready to try it yourself? Here's what you'll need to get started:
- Dutch oven or oven-safe pot with lid
- Sourdough sling (optional but helpful)
- Proofing bowl (or large bowl with cloth cover)
- Parchment paper
- Rye or whole wheat flour (for feeding the starter)
- Bread/artisan flour (Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur recommended)
- Mochiko rice flour (optional, for dusting)
- Gram food scale
- Danish dough whisk (optional)
- Sourdough scoring tool
If that feels like a lot, a sourdough starter kit is a great shortcut.
How to Start and Feed a Sourdough Starter
First things first—you’ll need a sourdough starter. You can buy one or get one from a generous friend. Either way, it becomes your “mother” starter and needs to be cared for (yes, it’s alive!).
To keep it happy:
- Store it in the fridge
- Feed it every 9-14 days if you're not baking often
To feed your starter:
- 50g rye or whole wheat flour
- 50g water
Keep it a simple 1:1 ratio
Preparing Sourdough for Baking
The day before baking:
- Take 2 tablespoons of starter from the mother.
- Feed it with 50g flour + 50g water.
- Cover loosely and leave it on the counter overnight.
By morning, it should be bubbly and doubled in size-ready to go!
Easy Sourdough Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
Mix Your Dough
First, mix:
- 300g room temperature water
- 100g active starter
- 450g bread flour
- 10g sea salt
Mix until no dry flour remains, then let it rest for 30 minutes.
Stretch and Fold the Dough
- Stretch and fold the dough
- Repeat this process 3 times, every 30 minutes
- Cover with a damp towel
- Let rise for antoher 3.5-5 hours total
Shape and Refrigerate the Dough
- Shape the dough
- Place it upside down in a proofing bowl
- Cover and refrigerate overnight
Baking Your Sourdough at Home
- Preheat oven to 500°F (at least 30 minutes before baking)
- Transfer dough onto parchment paper
- Score the top to allow steam to escape
- Place in Dutch oven
Sourdough Baking Timeline:
- Covered: Build the steam (25 minutes)
- Uncovered: Brown the crust (8 minutes)
- Covered Again: Finish gently (7 minutes)
And just like that…you’ve got a beautiful, crusty loaf!
Let it cool for at least an hour before cutting—trust me; it’s worth the wait.
Sourdough Discard Recipes: Don't Let It Go to Waste!
One quick tip: never throw away your starter discard.
Not only is it hard on your plumbing, but you’re missing out on so many tasty recipes like:
- Sourdough tortillas
- Pancakes and muffins
- Macadamia nut pesto bread
Discover Local Finds and Experiences in Kahuku
The workshop was a fun way to learn something new and enjoy some ono grinds! If you’re exploring Oʻahu’s North Shore, stop by The SM Collective in Kahuku for local finds and creative workshops. And when you’re ready for your next food adventure, visit the Polynesian Cultural Center to explore the flavors of the Pacific through its dining experiences, like the Gateway Buffet or Ali'i Lū‘au.