No! I’ve been making them for years without the discard but I now make them almost always with the discard–because. I always have some I need to use up! To make this recipe without sourdough discard, omit the sourdough discard. Add the pancake mix, buttermilk and egg to a bowl. Mix together. The mix will thicken a little as it sits. Add more buttermilk or milk to thin out as needed.