By admin
I’m a big fan of dairy products with live cultures from all around the world, whether it’s German quark, Icelandic skyr, or Greek yogurt. So when I first heard about kefir, a fermented dairy drink from Eastern Europe that’s touted as a source of probiotics, tastes like yogurt, and has a sippable texture, I knew I had to get my hands on some.
Kefir has been consumed all over the world for centuries for it’s alleged health benefits, and it’s become really popular in the U.S. over the past few years. About those supposed health benefits: A 2017 review published in the journal Nutrition Research Reviews notes that while there are many potential health benefits of kefir, thanks to the microbes (bacterial and yeast) and variety of vitamins and minerals it contains, more research needs to be done to determine how it may impact the gut and as a result, improve health in any specific way. Most studies, while promising, have been done in vitro (in a lab) or in animals, so the study authors note that more research needs to be done in humans before we can really know if kefir makes any meaningful impact on human health.
While the jury’s still out on the benefits, kefir typically has the same amount of protein as a glass of milk (but with less lactose) and is a good source of calcium, potassium, and magnesium. It also contains a variety of B vitamins and vitamins A, K, and C. When I finally did have the chance to try it, I found that while I loved the sour, tangy flavor, I wasn’t a huge fan of it’s texture. So I started to search for other ways to work with the ingredient so that I could enjoy the taste in a different way.
I didn’t have to look for long, because, as it turns out, there are so many creative ways to cook with kefir. It’s sourness makes it a great source of acid for things like salad dressings and marinades. And its texture becomes silky and soothing when you heat it up for a soup. You can even use it to make sourdough bread (no sourdough starter required).
If you spot kefir on your next grocery shopping trip, add a bottle to your cart and use it in these 14 recipes. Muffins, oatmeal, popsicles, and more will prove that you don’t need to actually drink kefir to enjoy it.
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Flavour and Savour1 Mango Turmeric Overnight Oats from Flavour and Savour
Kefir’s tanginess perfectly complements the mango and turmeric in these overnight oats. Get the recipe here.
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Cookin’ Canuck2 Barbecue Chicken With Kefir Cilantro from Cookin’ Canuck
The next time you’re in the mood for coleslaw, try swapping kefir in for mayonnaise. The results are lighter and more refreshing. Get the recipe here.
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Two Peas and Their Pod3 Whole Wheat Kefir Pancakes With Blueberry Sauce from Two Peas and Their Pod
I love cooking pancakes with kefir because I find that they always turn out more fluffy and light when I do. I always add some to my waffles and crepes, too. Get the recipe here.
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Nourished Kitchen4 Strawberry and Blueberry Kefir Pops from Nourished Kitchen
This icy treat is worth stocking in your freezer all summer long. Get the recipe here.
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Bon Appétit5 Lentil Croquettes With Watercress and Kefir from Bon Appétit
Kefir has a slightly salty side that goes well with these savory croquettes. Get the recipe here.
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Jessica Levinson6 Strawberry Kefir Smoothie from Jessica Levinson
I personally find that kefir is much more drinkable when blended into a fruity smoothie like this one. Get the recipe here.
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Turnip the Oven7 Cranberry-Orange Kefir Cake from Turnip the Oven
The acid in kefir is responsible for how moist and tender this cake is. Get the recipe here.
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At the Immigrant’s Table8 Bulgarian Soup With Kefir, Cucumbers, Dill, Walnuts, and Feta from At the Immigrant’s Table
Crunchy, tangy, herby, creamy—this soup definitely isn’t lacking in flavor. Get the recipe here.
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Rebooted Mom9 Quick Kefir Sourdough Bread from Rebooted Mom
If you’ve always wanted to make sourdough bread, but don’t have a sourdough starter, this recipe will show you how to use kefir to get the job done. Get the recipe here.
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Live Eat Learn10 Lemon-Thyme Kefir Ice Cream from Live Eat Learn
With a double dose of tang from both the lemons and the kefir, this treat is sure to make you pucker. Get the recipe here.
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Cookin’ Canuck11 Curry and Kefir Marinated Chicken from Cookin’ Canuck
Like a buttermilk marinade, a kefir marinade will make your chicken so juicy and tender. Get the recipe here.
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Green Kitchen Stories12 Cold Sweet Summer Soup from Green Kitchen Stories
This traditional Danish soup is best enjoyed during the summer (or whenever it’s peak berry season near you). Get the recipe here.
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Jenna Gorham Nutrition13 Zucchini Muffins With Kefir from Jenna Gorham Nutrition
Kefir and zucchini may sound like a recipe for something savory, but these muffins couldn’t be sweeter. Get the recipe here.
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Brooklyn Supper14 Grilled Romaine Salad With Avocado-Kefir Green Goddess from Brooklyn Supper
This tangy dressing is thick enough to serve as a dip, too. Try it with grilled meats, crudité, and chips. Get the recipe here.
