Kefir is a fermented drink that can be made from cow's or goat's milk, water or coconut milk. Like yogurt, this drink is rich in yeast and healthy bacteria, but kefir contains several major types of good bacteria that are usually not found in yogurt. Because kefir curds are finer in size than yogurt, kefir is also easier to digest. In addition to yeast and good bacteria, kefir also contains several amino acids, complete protein and many minerals.
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Method 1 of 3: Gathering Ingredients for Making Kefir
Step 1. Prepare the kefir grains
You can get kefir grains online or at health food stores. Kefir grains are self-replicating, so an early set can last for years. You can also divide the lumps of kegir seeds and give them to your friends. Like bread dough, kefir will multiply, so you never run out of kefir.
- Kefir grains can be frozen or dried if you wish to store them.
- If kefir is exposed to chemicals or extreme temperatures, it can die.
Step 2. Buy a container for kefir
If you are used to making kefir, then you need to choose a container that is the right size for your needs. For average kefir at home, use a 250 ml glass container. Kefir requires an air-permeable lid, which you can make using a coffee filter and a glass lid ring.
- Do not use plastic containers, as the constituent molecules can be released into the kefir.
- If you wish, sterilize the container before using it by boiling it for five minutes, and then drying it on a clean tissue.
Step 3. Choose a kefir base
Kefir is usually made from whole milk. Using full-fat milk will give kefir a tangy taste and texture similar to yogurt, making it perfect for drinking without any accompaniments or used in smoothies or recipes. To make kefir thicker, add cream. If you don't like drinking cow's milk, try these alternative ingredients:
- Water. You can make a water-based fermented drink with kefir for its nutritional benefits. Make sure you use pre-purified water, as tap water contains chemicals that can kill kefir.
- Goat milk. The human body can digest goat's milk more easily than cow's milk, so this option is a better choice if you are lactose intolerant.
- Coconut milk. Coconut milk fermented with kefir can be used as a base for healthy fruit drinks. Use the purest coconut milk you can find, with no other additives or sugar. If possible, make your own coconut milk for your own use. However, kefir grains don't reproduce in coconut milk, so you'll need to return them to the milk once you're done making this type of kefir.
Method 2 of 3: Making Kefir
Step 1. Put 2 tablespoons of kefir grains in a glass container
This amount is enough to start with, as it will make for a delicious medium kefir taste. As you get better at making kefir, try changing the number of kefir grains you use. You will know the effect of the number of kefir grains on the taste of the drink and adjust it to your taste.
Step 2. Pour 2 1/2 cups of milk into the container
The amount of milk you use in kefir is also up to your taste, but 2 1/2 cups of milk is a good starting amount. Do not fill the container completely, as this mixture needs room to breathe during the fermentation process, fill it up to 2/3 full.
Step 3. Close the container and store at room temperature
Decide where to store kefir in your cupboard. If you store it in the refrigerator, the fermentation process will not work.
Step 4. Let the fermentation take place for 8 hours
The fermentation process takes a few hours, so the easiest thing to do is to prepare the kegir seeds and milk at night, then use them in the morning. The longer you let the kefir grains ferment, the sharper and thicker your kefir will be.
- If you prefer kefir with a softer taste, you can use it after only 5 hours, instead of having to wait overnight.
- Kefir from coconut milk requires a longer fermentation time. You may need to leave it for more than 8 hours.
Step 5. Strain the kefir
Place a piece of cheesecloth or a fine sieve over the second container or bowl. Pour the kefir from the original container into a second container through this cloth strainer, so that the kefir grains will separate from the liquid. This kefir is now ready to drink or store in the refrigerator.
Step 6. Rinse the kefir grains and make again
Rinse the kefir grains in distilled water (never use tap water). Place in a clean container, fill with milk and repeat this process. If you're not ready to make kefir yet, you can give the kefir a rest by placing it in a container, adding milk, and letting it sit for a week before straining.
Method 3 of 3: Using Kefir
Step 1. Use kefir from milk instead of regular milk
When you usually drink milk or yogurt or use it in cooking, replace it with kefir. Kefir can be a delicious base for sauces, and it can even be used in baking as a healthier substitute for milk. Consider these options:
- Eat kefir with granola for breakfast.
- Mixing kefir into your coffee.
- Make a yogurt wine cake with kefir instead of yogurt.
Step 2. Eat coconut milk kefir as a snack
Kefir from coconut milk can't always be used as a substitute for milk in recipes, but it also has many benefits, and tastes great when eaten. Try these ideas:
- Make a coconut milk kefir smoothie by blending a cup of kefir, a banana and berries.
- Use kefir as the base for your pina colada.
- Mix coconut milk kefir into soups and sauces to make it thick, like heavy cream.
Step 3. Drink kefir to replace your body fluids during the day
Water kefir is much lighter than other types of kefir. So you might as well drink it throughout the day. Drink it instead of water in soup recipes. You can also flavor water kefir with fruit juice, mint or other flavors to make a delicious drink.
Tips
- This fermentation process can be repeated indefinitely with a suitable temperature and a good cleaning process.
- Glass containers can be sterilized by washing them with soap, then soaking them in a 10 - 1 bleach solution for 10 minutes and washing them again. Glass containers can also be sterilized by washing them with soap and then baking them in an oven at 100 C, or boiling them in water. Sterilize for 30 minutes. Let it cool for at least 20 minutes before using it.
- Before cooling, add fruit or spices of your choice.
