I love dabbling in different fermented foods and have included a wide variety of them in my family’s diet at one time or another. Out of the numerous fermented foods I’ve come to love, the one that I use the most frequently and consistently is milk kefir. Milk kefir is a fermented dairy drink that has a texture that is somewhat thicker than a cup of milk, but still very much a liquid (as opposed to yogurt). Kefir can be consumed very simply, either on its own, alongside fresh fruit or blended into a simple smoothie with frozen fruit (my kids’ favorite). If you’re looking for more adventurous and creative uses for your milk kefir, scroll down for some incredible milk kefir recipes, from salad dressing, to ice creams, to pancakes and breads.
How to Make Homemade Milk Kefir
Making your own tangy kefir is super easy, requiring only two ingredients: kefir grains and milk. I use raw milk to make my homemade kefir, but you can absolutely still make kefir if you don’t buy raw milk. You can add your kefir grains to pasteurized whole milk, or even to coconut milk or another milk alternative- though the final product will be a little different, you will still wind up with a delicious kefir.
Kefir grains are available online for purchase. They are live cultures, containing wild yeasts and good bacteria that will ferment the milk. When you purchase them, they should come with specific instructions on how to activate and begin using the grains (most likely, you will throw away the first milk you ferment with them, then they’ll be ready to go.)
Once your grains are ready to use, simply mix a teaspoon of grains (or more) with 1-2 cups of milk and allow it to sit, lightly covered with the lid or with a coffee filter and rubber band, at room temperature to ferment. The length of fermentation will vary significantly depending on the temperature of the room, the amount of grains and the amount of milk you use. When you get to know your grains, this timing will get more predictable.
How To Store Milk Kefir
The kefir is done when it has thickened and acquired a sour aroma. If it separates fully into curds and whey, you’ve gone too far this time: pick the grains out of the curds and try again. To use your kefir, strain it into a new container (so that the grains are removed). Store milk kefir in the fridge.
Store grains in the fridge in an airtight container. Pour some heavy cream over them before storing (I use just enough to cover the grains). This ensures that they won’t starve between uses.
Can I just buy my kefir?
I personally think that lifeway kefir is absolutely delicious, but I prefer to make my own for a few reasons. It’s more cost effective, and homemade kefir contains more strains of bacteria and fewer added ingredients than storebought kefir.
Some of the recipes with kefir linked below call for Lifeway kefir. You can substitute it for your own homemade plain kefir!
Why Kefir?
For more on the health benefits of kefir, check out this article.
If you spend time in the health and wellness space online, you’ve heard of the benefits of including fermented foods in your diet. Here’s a brief synopsis of some of the best ways that kefir can benefit your health:
A cup of kefir contains about 9g of protein, and is high in many nutrients and other bioactive compounds that can benefit you.
Kefir is a potent probiotic (more potent than yogurt).
It may improve your digestion, your weight management, and even protect against disease.
Kefir is also low in lactose: the bacteria in the kefir grains which ferment the milk eat the milk sugars (lactose), turning them into lactic acid. The lactic acid is what gives this fermented milk drink its sour tang. It also makes for an environment in which healthy bacterias thrive, and bad ones don’t.
There are so many different ways to use kefir to make delicious food! Check out these favorite recipes with kefir:
Ice Cream Recipes with Kefir
Kefir Ice Cream w/ Blueberry & Basil Swirl
Next time I come back from Michigan loaded down with wild blueberries, some will definitely be delegated to this gorgeous ice cream.
Pineapple No Churn Kefir Ice Cream
Pineapple and coconut is one of my hands down favorite flavor combinations, so this ice cream will be made on repeat this summer! As an added bonus, the only equipment you need is a blender.
Dessert Recipes with Kefir
Kefir Cheesecake Mousse Recipe
Cheesecake and mousse- two dessert items that I can never get enough of! I can’t wait to try this version.
Kefir & Honey Pound Cake
This pound cake looks absolutely stunning, but it’s quite easy to make!
Easy Homemade Kefir Ranch Dressing
I don’t know about you, but I find that conventional salad dressing is one of the hardest “processed” products to replace, so I love a delicious & easy salad dressing option!
Smoothie Recipes with Kefir
In my house, a mixed fruit or strawberry kefir smoothie is a classic part of a healthy breakfast! Simply blend frozen fruit with your homemade kefir, or check out these creative recipes:
Creamy Strawberry Gut Health Smoothie
This creamy smoothie contains only a few simple ingredients- a perfect recipe to keep in your back pocket!
Easy Strawberry Banana Smoothie Bowl
Let kids top their own smoothie bowls for a super fun family breakfast or snack!
Kefir Pancakes
Do you do pancake Sundays in your house? Add these gorgeous pancake recipes to your rotation!
Easy Fluffy Whole Wheat Pancakes w/ Kefir
These delicious pancakes are meant to be versatile enough to top with savory or sweet toppings! If you’ve never had savory pancakes, give these a shot: they can be some of the best pancakes out there.
Fluffy Lithuanian Pancakes with Kefir
Try topping these fluffy pancakes with a little Greek yogurt or sour cream for a taste of Eastern Europe!
Milk Kefir Sourdough Starter
If you make sourdough bread (or want to learn) check out this unique way to get started on your sourdough starter!
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What Should I Make Next?
Check out Fermented Giardiniera or Fermented Salsa Verde!
Did you make this recipe? Let me know how it went in the comments! If you share on Instagram, please tag me at @sisuhomemaker. And I always love to hear from you- send questions, comments, concerns, etc to carol@sisuhomemaker.com!
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