Kefir is a nutritious drink that is not challenging to prepare at home. This fermented milk drink works like a digestant, with added probiotics and good bacteria that strengthen immunity. Making one for yourself requires the best quality products that always stay fresh.
Furthermore, depending on how one wants it to taste, one can either prepare it as a recipe or put it into several easy healthy recipes. However, if you are not sure where to start, do not worry—this blog has got you covered. It discusses ‘what is kefir‘, what does kefir taste like and the steps to prepare this healthy probiotic drink.
A Step-by-Step Guide To Make Kefir At Home
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon of kefir grains
- 500 ml of fresh milk
- clip top glass jar
- a spoon
- a sieve and jug/bowl
- a slice of lemon (optional)
Preparation Steps
Clean your Gear
Before you begin the primary procedure, it is essential to ensure the cleanliness of all equipment. Wash the jars, spoons, and filters in hot water with soap to prevent contamination.
Source: Freepik
Add Kefir Grains to Milk
After ensuring cleanliness, put one or two tablespoons of kefir grains in a clean jar. Then, pour 2 cups of milk into the grains. While doing so, make sure that the ratio between these two is correct. These two ingredients depend on how thick you want your probiotic drink to be.
Cover the Jar
Once you’re done adding the ingredients, tie a thin cloth or paper towel around the bottle’s rim using an elastic band. Do it so that it does not restrict the airflow but keeps it away from dust. Then, put it somewhere away from direct sunlight at room temperature (about 68-72°F/20-22°C) for 24-48 hours.
Source: Freepik
What Are Some Ways To Take Kefir At Home?
Kefir Smoothies
Including kefir in smoothies is a fantastic method for increasing the probiotics and vitamins you consume. To make one, follow the above recipe and add berries, bananas, or mangoes, whichever you like. However, if you don’t like its sourness, then never mind because these smoothies can also help hide that tangy flavor from your tongue besides being appetizing.
Kefir-Based Dressings & Sauces
If mixed with herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil, kefir can replace fatty dressings and sauces. This allows you to enjoy salad dressings, which are probably one of the best healthy options. Besides, it can also be used as a sauce if you want your grilled meat or other meals to taste better and spicy.
Kefir in Baking
Kefir yogurt is a necessary ingredient, especially when it comes to baking. Moreover, one can have this yogurt instead of buttermilk, as it, too, can add moisture and slight tartness to your recipes. It does not matter if you’re making muffins, pancakes, or cake dough; feel free to use kefir, too.
Kefir Ice Pops
Kefir ice pops? Does that sound absurd? Well, fortunately, it does not, as one can enjoy them as ice pops as well. You just have to add fruit puree or juice to the mixture and keep it in the freezer, and you are good to go. Moreover, these ice pops are a great alternative to traditional ice cream, as they are infused with probiotics, which benefit both adult and child digestive health.
Kefir Granola
Kefir yogurt can also be used with granola and seasonal berries to make a simple and fast breakfast or a convenient snack. In this instance, the granola’s texture will go nicely with the yogurt’s smoothness and the naturally sweet chunks of fruit. This yogurt is perfect for meal replacements since it distributes protein, fiber, and probiotics equally.
Final Words
Kefir is a beneficial probiotic drink you can make at home. This blog has addressed what it is and detailed how to prepare it. Moreover, due to its numerous health benefits, it helps users achieve improved digestion and strong immunity.
Additionally, because of its adaptability, it can be added to smoothies, salad dressings, and sauces or even used for baking. With its sour taste and ability to improve body functions, it is a food additive worth trying. Take your first step today by using kefir to enhance your wellness journey and feel the difference it brings to your life.
References
Good Food. How to Make Kefir?
Arishtam. Kefir Recipe -Probiotic Curd.