Into the sourdough starter add sugar, salt, egg and oil and mix well.
When ready for the batter to hit the griddle, blend soda in 1 tablespoon of warm water and fold gently into the batter. DO NOT BEAT. You will notice a deep hollow tone as the batter fills with bubbles and doubles in bulk.
Bake on hot griddle to "seal brown". Serve on hot plates with plenty of pure maple syrup.