Recipe Mutiny steals recipes from food blogs and recipe sites. Then we publish them. With credit (Naturally).
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Best Gluten-Free Hacks for Beginners
Maybe when January rolled around, you thought, “I could probably eat less bread,” as you tried to squeeze into your supposedly roomier skinny jeans. Or maybe like me, your doctor conducted a blood test diagnosing you with a gluten intolerance or celiac disease that sent your wheat-loving soul into a tailspin. Either way, trust me when I say there are ways of coping with your new gluten-free lifestyle. And perhaps, maybe even enjoying it. I’m not going to lie, it was very hard to avoid gluten completely—saying adios to baked goods in favor of fruits and veggies sounds good in theory but is very had to do in practice (continually passing up cake is its own fresh hell). If you’re thinking about going gluten-free, know that this will absolutely wreak major havoc on your pantry. But after adopting a few simple strategies, I was able to go gluten-free completely without feeling like I was living a sad, bread-less life and saw major improvements in my sleep, digestion, and even anxiety levels. Below, a few hacks to get you started.
Always Check Food Labels
Ask anyone who’s gluten-free and they will undoubtedly preach the importance of checking labels and asking restaurants about ingredients. Gluten hides in the oddest of places and is used as filler for many packaged products, including lunch meats, whole grain cereals, oatmeal, and ice cream. Some of the biggest offenders are products you’d never even think to consider. We’re looking at you malt vinegar!
Danielle Walker's Against All Grain: Meals Made Simple (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Paleo Recipes to Make Anytime), $18.99 on Amazon
This best-seller has been going strong since 2014, and includes recipes for tons of things, including homemade GF condiments.
If You Don’t Like Corn, It’s Time to Start
Shutterstock
Popped. Tortilla’d. Muffin’d. Corn products are my all-time favorite substitute for flour products, because I already ate them before I was diagnosed with a wheat intolerance. Eating a taco with a corn shell, or making my own , doesn’t taste like some chemically laced gluten-free product (don’t get me started on the bad bread options out there). Naturally gluten-free cornmeal, corn tortilla chips, and popped corn are always my go-to. I even recommend buying corn and rice pastas, such as Barilla’s, as they hold up best when you’re craving spaghetti. For a main dish, try these easy empanadas.
Know Your Gluten-Free Flours
Gluten-free flours are not all created equally. Try to find flour that can be used one-to-one in a recipe, such as Bob’s Red Mill One-to-One Baking Flour. The first time I tasted a cookie made with this flour, I freaked. It tasted so similar to gluten-filled cookies, I kept checking the label to make sure it was actually gluten-free. Cup 4 Cup is a close runner up, but nothing compares to Bob’s Red Mill. I use it in everything (including this three ingredient bagel recipe). Also, know you can go flourless when craving dessert if you opt for this killer chocolate cake.
Safe Snacking
Kirbie’s Cravings
As I mentioned, popcorn and tortilla chips are always easy, naturally gluten-free snacks as are most potato chips (but always check the ingredient list). As far as gluten-free versions of snacks you just can’t give up for life, the following are constantly in rotation in my house: Snyder’s Gluten-Free Pretzel Sticks, Cheddar Nut Thins, Hippeas, Tate’s Bake Shop Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie, all of the Good Girl cookie products, and Trader Joe’s gluten-free answer to the Oreo, Joe Joe’s.
Yes, You Can Still Say, “Beer Me”
Being an IPA queen, beer was probably one of the hardest things to give up for me. The good news is gluten-free beers DO exist. The bad news is, they’re fairly impossible to come by on tap and ciders are your new best friend at breweries and bars. Canadian brewery Glutenberg is too good for this world. Runners up: Stone Delicious IPA, Omission’s Lager, DogFish Head’s Tweason’ale . Hot Tip: I don’t personally love Green’s beer, but some swear by it and it’s easier to come by.
Always Be Suspicious of Sauces
Gluten is sneaky. It weasels its way into so many products we love. One of the biggest offenders is soy sauce. When you go out for sushi, ask for gluten-free soy sauce. (For your own pantry, buy this one.) Other sauces that might raise a red flag: gravies, roux, or cream sauces made with flour.
Related Video: Taste Test – Gluten-Free Crackers
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How to Add Quinoa to Your Meals
I can’t talk about quinoa enough; it’s the “superfood” that deserves all the attention it gets. Imagine a grain that contains all nine essential amino acids and is high in fiber, protein, and a variety of vitamins and minerals—magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and Vitamin E—while still being gluten-free. That’s quinoa.
If you’re new to the game, quinoa is pronounced KEEN-wah, but is often mispronounced kwin-OH-ah, which is a reasonable mistake if you’re looking at it phonetically. Just avoid “Real Housewives of New York” star Ramona Singer’s rendition, KWEEN-wah.
The real reason quinoa is such a great grain is that it’s not technically a grain. It originates from a grain crop, but is actually an edible seed that’s just prepared and enjoyed the same way grains are. If you have a hard time digesting grains, quinoa is the way to go. It has a similar texture and experience, but even more protein, and a great nutty flavor.
There are over 100 types of quinoa, but the most common and commercially available are white, black, and red. They’re often found near the specialty rices, beans, and grains section in the grocery store, and are really easy to prepare.
If purchased from a bin, or a box that doesn’t preface that it’s been pre-rinsed, you’ll have to start by putting it in a fine strainer and running it through cold water. Quinoa has a natural soapy coating, so a few minutes under cold water should help to remove that.
Place the quinoa on the stove in a covered pot, putting two cups of water for every cup of quinoa, and bring to a boil. Quinoa holds a lot of water, so a cup of dry quinoa makes about three cups cooked. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 13 to 15 minutes, watching for the quinoa to become translucent, and for the white ring to wrap around each seed.
From here, you can enjoy it plain, or drop it into soups, salads, or wraps; a pretty easy way to add nutritional value to meals. If you want the quinoa to take center stage, here are seven recipes with quinoa incorporated.
Warm Quinoa Salad with Roasted Autumn Vegetables and Ginger-Scallion Dressing
This vegan recipe combines the umami flavor of soy sauce and sesame oil with hearty fall vegetables for a warm, filling meal, perfect for a cold day. Get our Warm Quinoa Salad with Roasted Autumn Vegetables and Ginger-Scallion Dressing recipe.
Slow Cooker Enchilada Quinoa
Show Me The Yummy
This might be one of the easiest enchiladas you’ll ever make. Chop up onions, green bell pepper, jalapeños and garlic, and throw them into a Crock pot with quinoa, cheese, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chicken broth, enchilada sauce and spices, and forget about it until it looks creamy and cheesy. Just a few simple steps for a healthy, flavorful meal. Get the recipe.
Grilled Pork Chops with Quinoa, Asparagus & Mushrooms
Jo Cooks
The flavors in this grilled pork chops recipe are deep and delicious. The grilled pork chops are accompanied with cooked asparagus and mushrooms, and quinoa that’s been cooked with chopped onions, garlic and white wine, and seasoned with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, beef broth, and lemon juice. Get the recipe.
Spicy Garlic Shrimp & Quinoa
As Easy As Apple Pie
This easy recipe can be made in just 35 minutes. Start by simply heating olive oil in a large pot with onion and garlic. Wait until the onions are soft, and then add quinoa with ½ teaspoon of chili and saute for a minute, sprinkling in salt and pepper intermittently. Next, add two cups of vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is translucent. Separately, cook the shrimp in a large skillet with ½ tablespoon of olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Saute the shrimp until it is no longer translucent and serve over the quinoa with lemon juice and chopped parsley. Get the recipe.
Vegetable Quinoa Soup
Two Peas & Their Pod
This recipe is a one-pot soup, jam-packed with vegetables, and perfect for entertaining and meal prepping for the week. To begin, heat olive oil in a large pot and add onions, carrots and celery, cooking until the onions are translucent. Add the garlic, sweet potato, butternut squash and bay leaves next, and cook until the vegetables are soft.
Add the vegetable broth, tomatoes, and quinoa, and season with fresh rosemary and thyme. When the quinoa is soft and transparent, stir in the kale and cook for an additional five minutes. Serve warm with salt and black pepper. Get the recipe.
Quinoa Chili
Making Thyme For Health
This chili is a delicious blend of spices and vegetables that can warm you up on a cold winter day. Cook the quinoa in a small pot and in a separate large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat, and add onions, peppers and garlic, along with the chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika and chipotle powder. Next, add the tomatoes, tomato sauce and vegetable broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Add the vegetables and cook for about five minutes. Serve warm with sour cream, cilantro and sliced avocado. Get the recipe.
Related video: How to Make Quinoa Taco Salad
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13 Healthy Turkey Burgers That Will Make You Forget About Beef
We constantly find ourselves asking the question why no love for turkey burgers? They’re cheap, lean, and far healthier than their bovine equivalent. Unfortunately, everyone has probably had at least one bad experience with a turkey burger that was as dry and flavorless as a hockey puck. So to disprove the myth that turkey burgers have to be bland, we’re giving you 13 recipes that are anything but boring.
While some of the add-ons may make them not all that much healthier than beef, they’re at least a nice change of pace once in a while.
Lodge 10.25-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, $14.88 on Amazon
When you're cooking indoors, a cast iron skillet will give your turkey burger a nice crust.
Chowhound
A healthier alternative to the sausage-egg-and-cheese, our version replaces fatty (and somewhat unhealthy) pork with homemade turkey sausage. It’s so flavorful that you’ll forget you’re eating turkey. Get our Breakfast Turkey Burger recipe.
Chowhound
Want that patty melt taste with a little less guilt? Try our recipe for a turkey version. The flavors are all there and you won’t miss the extra calories that are cut when you switch from beef to turkey. Make sure to follow our advice and use dark meat turkey, if you can find it, since it has more flavor and will stay moist more readily than leaner white meat. Get our Turkey Patty Melt recipe.
Seasoned with Southwestern flavors and topped with a healthy portion of guacamole, this turkey burger is the perfect recipe for a south of the border mid-week meal. While not explicitly stated in the recipe, this is best served with a tall margarita or cerveza. Get our Guacamole Turkey Burger recipe.
4. Chipotle Bacon Turkey Burgers
Chowhound
Given the mild natural flavor of turkey breast, the protein needs some strong flavors to truly shine. Boosted with umami thanks to soy sauce and anchovies (before you eww, just try it) and topped with chipotle ketchup, this burger is about as flavorful as they come. Get our Chipotle Bacon Turkey Burger recipe.
Chowhound
With mushrooms and mint mixed into the ground turkey, these burgers might sound a little odd, but they’re a great way to sneak extra vegetables into your meal while amping up both the meaty flavor and the moisture content of the turkey patties. Get the Mushroom Turkey Burger recipe.
Chowhound
Just because you’re making a turkey burger doesn’t mean it HAS to be a healthy one. This bacon- and cheese-laden turkey burger is all the proof you need, but pickled jalapeños cut through the richness so the taste stays fresh and not too fatty. Get our BBQ Bacon Turkey Burger recipe.
7. Bobby Flay’s Turkey Burgers
Food Network
Say what you want about Bobby Flay, the man does know how to cook. We think you’ll really enjoy his elevated version of the turkey burger. The goat cheese and Meyer lemon honey mustard combo is a real winner. Get Bobby Flay’s Turkey Burger recipe.
Food.com
This is your basic, go-to turkey burger recipe. No fancy ingredients are required (just some dry breadcrumbs and Worcestershire sauce, which kind of give it a turkey meatloaf feel…), but when something’s right, there’s no need to add anything extra. We have a feeling that this could become one of your “whatever’s left in the fridge” weekday dinner staples. Get the Tasty Turkey Burger recipe.
9. Buffalo Turkey Burgers with Buffalo Blue Cheese Sauce
Recipe Runner
If you’re a believer of the fact that everything is better with buffalo sauce, then this recipe from Recipe Runner is for you—it’s got buffalo flavor in spades. Perfect for game night or any night. Get the Buffalo Turkey Burgers with Buffalo Blue Cheese Sauce recipe.
10. Roasted Jalapeno Cheddar Turkey Burgers with BBQ Aioli
How Sweet Eats
How do you elevate a normal turkey burger, often of the dry variety, to something you actually look forward to eating? Use turkey that’s only 94-95 percent lean instead of the 98 percent lean stuff. The extra fat will add some much needed moisture and flavor. Adding a healthy dose of chipotle aioli and melted cheese won’t hurt either (well, not the flavor, anyway). Get the Roasted Jalapeno Cheddar Turkey Burgers with BBQ Aioli recipe.
11. Turkey Burgers with Tomato Jam, Olives and Feta
Bon Appetit
For a Mediterranean take on the turkey burger, try this recipe from the kitchen of Bon Appetit featuring feta, olives, and garlic. While the recipe calls for tomato jam (and we happen to have our own Tomato Jam recipe), you could easily substitute one of your favorite store-bought Mediterranean condiments. Get the Turkey Burgers with Tomato Jam, Olives and Feta recipe.
12. Thai Turkey Burgers with Crispy Kale
Epicurious
If the streets of Bangkok were filled with burger vendors, we imagine this is what they would be serving. From Epicurious, this burger is packed with traditional Thai flavors like lemongrass and fiery Thai chilis. In warmer weather, skip the boiling step and throw these burgers on the grill. Get the Thai Turkey Burgers with Crispy Kale recipe.
Food Network
With a bold claim that this recipe is for the “Perfect Turkey Burger,” we had our doubts. But based on the consistently stellar reviews, this turkey burger from the Food Network may actually hold that title—assuming, of course, you haven’t made one of ours already. Get the Perfect Turkey Burger recipe.
For more tips, tricks, and healthy recipes, check out our healthy living page.
Related Video: How to Make Greek Turkey Burgers
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What Are Liquid Aminos, and How Do You Use Them?
If you’re vegan, gluten-free, or paleo, you may already be familiar with liquid aminos, but even if you’ve never used them, you’ve probably spied them on a shelf at Whole Foods or in the health food section of your favorite store. (Picture those bright yellow Bragg labels, or blue ones with palm fronds in the background…) So, what are they? In short, a common gluten-free alternative to soy sauce—but the long answer is a bit more complex.
Bragg Liquid Aminos, $9.08 on Amazon
Perhaps the most well-known brand out there, this is a great gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
What Are Aminos, Anyway?
“Aminos” refers to amino acids, which, on a fundamental level, are what proteins are made of. There are 20 different types of amino acids, 9 of which are essential to the human body but cannot be produced by our systems. Amino acids help build and maintain muscle tissues, but also play a role in your immune system, metabolism, heart health, and brain function. In order to get the amino acids our bodies can’t manufacture, we must ingest them, most commonly in the form of animal protein (including meat, eggs, and dairy), but they can also be derived from other sources, like quinoa (part of the reason it’s considered a superfood), or combinations of nuts and seeds.
So Are Liquid Aminos a Supplement?
No. They’re an ingredient or condiment primarily used for their flavor, often as an alternative to soy sauce, but to add savory notes in all sorts of dishes—and they also happen to be fairly healthy. In order to get a significant nutritional benefit from them alone, you would need to eat massive quantities of liquid aminos, which would also mean ingesting massive quantities of salt, but it’s not a bad idea to incorporate them in place of table salt or soy sauce where you can, especially if you can’t eat gluten (see more on that below).
How Are Liquid Aminos Made?
Liquid aminos are made from soybeans, which are one of the rare plant sources of so-called complete proteins (meaning they contain all the essential amino acids you have to get from your diet). The soybeans are generally treated with hydrochloric acid to break down the protein and release the amino acids (mimicking the same process that would happen in your stomach), and they are then treated with sodium bicarbonate (aka baking soda) to neutralize the remaining acid, which also makes the liquid aminos taste salty. In their final form, they’re a dark amber-brown liquid that looks and tastes quite similar to soy sauce, though not as strong or harsh, and a little sweeter. There are some other important differences too.
Graphic made using Canva
How Are They Different From Soy Sauce (and Tamari)?
All three of these products are made from soybeans, but soy sauce also contains wheat, so—unlike liquid aminos—it isn’t gluten-free. Since soy sauce is fermented, it also contains some alcohol, whereas liquid aminos don’t. There are several different types of soy sauce, and each individual brand is different, but in general, they will have added salt, and often added preservatives and stabilizers. While liquid aminos are definitely lower in sodium than regular soy sauce, they’re not quite as low as you might think at a glance at their nutritional labels. If you look closely, you’ll see that the serving size for liquid aminos is usually much smaller than the serving size for soy sauce—1/2 teaspoon versus 1 tablespoon. If you compare 1 tablespoon of Kikkoman soy sauce with the same amount of Bragg Liquid Aminos, the soy sauce contains 920 milligrams of sodium while the liquid aminos clock in at 480 milligrams. A tablespoon of La Choy brand soy sauce has 550 milligrams of sodium, so still more than liquid aminos, but not quite as big of a difference. Other brands of soy sauce can have as much as 1,230 milligrams of sodium per serving, or over half of your daily recommended allowance, so it’s always worth scrutinizing labels.
If you’re not familiar with tamari, another fermented soybean product, it’s similar to soy sauce (and is sometimes called Japanese soy sauce), but it’s most often made without wheat, making it gluten-free. However, some brands do contain small amounts of gluten, so always double-check the label to be sure. Specific brands vary in sodium levels too, but in general, tamari’s on par with soy sauce in that department. It’s darker in color and rounder and richer in flavor than both soy sauce and liquid aminos, but can generally be used in the same ways. If genetically modified ingredients are a concern to you, be aware that both soy sauce and tamari often contain GMO soybeans, while liquid aminos commonly tout their lack of GMO ingredients front and center.
Image by Chowhound, using photos from Amazon
What About Coconut Aminos?
Coconut aminos, as you might expect, are made from coconut (coconut sap or coconut blossom nectar, to be specific) and sea salt. They’re gluten-free just like regular liquid aminos, but they’re also soy-free and much lower in sodium, making them an increasingly popular choice, especially among paleo eaters. They don’t actually taste like coconut; instead, they’re dark and salty with a more pronounced sweetness, and are available in garlic and teriyaki variations, as well as in the form of granulated seasoning packets. A tablespoon of Coconut Secret coconut aminos contains only 270 milligrams of sodium, so if you’re watching your salt intake, they’re a clear front runner. Some sources claim coconut aminos also promote a healthy gut via the power of probiotics. Since they are naturally fermented, they do contain trace amounts of alcohol, but not as much as many brands of soy sauce (which can have more than 2 percent alcohol by volume, though often less, depending on the manufacturer). Bragg makes coconut aminos too, but they also contain their much-hyped apple cider vinegar and are not fermented, so if you must avoid all alcohol, that might be your best bet.
Coconut Secret Coconut Aminos, $9.77 on Amazon
Coconut aminos are lower in sodium, MSG-free, and paleo-approved. (Regular liquid aminos are not, since they're made from soy.)
A Note on MSG
Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, can be isolated, extracted, and used as an added seasoning, but it also occurs naturally in several umami-rich foods, like tomatoes, cheese, seaweed, mushrooms—and soybeans. Since soy sauce, tamari, and liquid aminos are all made from soybeans, they all contain at least minuscule amounts of naturally-occurring MSG. The Bragg FAQ makes a point of addressing this, and says that “Many of our customers who are very sensitive to MSG have never had any adverse reactions to Bragg Liquid Aminos.” That’s probably because MSG allergies are more psychological than physical. However, if you remain staunchly opposed to any MSG at all, you’ll be glad to know that coconut aminos do not contain any.
How Do You Use Liquid Aminos (and Coconut Aminos)?
While liquid aminos, coconut aminos, soy sauce, and tamari all taste noticeably different, they’re close enough that you can generally substitute any one for another in a given recipe, to taste. But you’re definitely not limited to stir fries and Asian food when using liquid aminos or coconut aminos. You can use them in place of Worcestershire sauce (like in a vegan Bloody Mary), or add a dash or two to increase the umami savor of hummus, soups, sauces, salad dressing, marinades for meat or tofu, and all kinds of other dishes. Check out some specific ideas below.
Eating Bird Food
If you’re an ardent bacon lover, you may scoff at any vegan version, but this is a clever way to approximate that crunchy, smoky, savory flavor. Unsweetened, large-flake coconut is coated with liquid aminos (use coconut aminos if you like), liquid smoke, maple syrup, and paprika, then baked in a low oven. Just be sure to stir often so it doesn’t burn, let it cool to crisp up, then sprinkle it on salads, baked potatoes, in sandwiches, on ice cream… Get the Vegan Coconut Bacon recipe.
Hilah Cooking
Liquid aminos are a great way to add savor to all sorts of things, including meat substitutes like tofu, tempeh, and seitan, with less sodium than soy sauce or tamari (and no wheat). There are plenty other seasonings here too, including garlic, smoked paprika, and cumin, for delicious vegetarian tacos even meat eaters will enjoy. Get the Vegetarian Tacos recipe.
Jay’s Baking Me Crazy
Cauliflower rice is pretty well-known by now, but it doesn’t have to be plain Jane. Try it in fried rice form, either by itself for a lighter meal, or as a base for grilled meat or other protein, especially if it’s been brushed with paleo teriyaki sauce (which, like the rice, also uses coconut aminos)! Get the Paleo Cauliflower Fried Rice recipe.
Bites of Wellness/Pancake Warriors
Cashew cheese is the secret to this vegan soup’s creamy texture, and liquid aminos help bump up the natural umami savor of the mushrooms, while fresh thyme tops it all off. Get the Best Ever Vegan Mushroom Soup recipe.
Maple and Apple Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Jennifer Causey/Simply Breakfast
While liquid aminos and coconut aminos are great vegan ingredients, they’re useful for omnivores as well. Here, they intensify the savory flavors of slow cooker pulled pork, with onions, apple cider vinegar, mustard, paprika, and cloves, plus maple syrup and sliced apples for a little sweetness. Get the Maple and Apple Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe.
Yoga Journal
Quinoa is an incredibly nutritious grain (that’s actually a seed!)—gluten-free, full of protein and fiber and all the essential amino acids you need—and has a great nutty taste and fluffy yet chewy texture to boot. Pair it with mushrooms, spinach or kale, rosemary, garlic, lemon, liquid aminos, and cheese for a delicious and hearty, yet healthier than usual, take on risotto. Get the Savory Quinoa Risotto recipe.
Coconut Amino Marinated Salmon
Meal Garden
Try liquid aminos or coconut aminos as a salty, savory element in marinades for all kinds of meat, fish, vegetables, and plant-based proteins. Here, salmon is marinated in coconut aminos, ginger, lemon juice, and fresh thyme. Feel free to skip the additional salt. Then broil, bake, or grill along with asparagus or other vegetables for an easy dinner. Get the Coconut Amino Marinated Salmon recipe.
Paleo, Vegan, Gluten-Free Worcestershire Sauce
Our Paleo Life
In a pinch, you can simply add a dash of liquid aminos in place of anchovy-derived Worcestershire sauce in many recipes, but it won’t fully replicate the complex sweet-sour flavors of the real thing, so you may want to make your own vegan, paleo, and gluten-free version of the classic condiment at home. Apple cider vinegar, blackstrap molasses, coconut sugar, ginger, cayenne, and other ingredients are added to coconut aminos for a fantastic flavor bomb of a condiment. It lasts in the fridge for 2 months, giving you plenty of time to use it all (in any dishes that could benefit from an umami boost). Get the Paleo, Vegan, Gluten-Free Worcestershire Sauce recipe.
Related Video: 26 Easy Weeknight Paleo Dinners
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What Is the Difference Between Kefir and Yogurt?
Although kefir and yogurt are both cultured dairy products packed with probiotics and protein, there are a few key differences that differentiate one from the other.
Yogurt is made from the bacterial fermentation of milk—there are numerous types of yogurts with varying fat content. According to the FDA, yogurt must contain “live and active” cultures, including Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophiles. There are as many brands and types of yogurts now as you can possibly imagine, including the thicker, unsweetened Greek yogurt that’s popular (think Fage and Chobani), not to mention Icelandic-style (Siggi’s), Australian (Noosa), and Bulgarian (Trimona). Yogurt is easy to make at home and if you’re sick of the store-bought flavors you can easily add a number of additions like jam, granola, fruit, and nuts.
Shutterstock
Kefir is a tangy, fermented drink made at room temperature by the fermentation of lactose (it’s thinner and more sour than traditional yogurt). Kefir grains form the basis of all kefir drinks—they are similar to curds and can be used to create kefir in any kind of milk. You can use milk substitutes such as soy or rice milk, or any sugary liquid like coconut water and fruit juice. Kefir grains are a living yeast/bacterial fermentation and contain many strains of beneficial bacteria and yeast that can contribute to a healthy gut. You can easily buy organic kefir at the grocery store, but it’s fairly make your own homemade kefir (from grains that you can order online, or even better, grains shared by a kefir-loving friend). Kefir grains require constant care though, but you can slow down the fermentation process by keeping them in the refrigerator.
Active Organic Milk Kefir Grains, $11.99 on Amazon
Use these fresh kefir grains to make your own probiotic drink at home.
Whether you’re trying kefir for the first time or learning how to incorporate yogurt and kefir into your daily regime, these recipes will help you add in some much-needed probiotics and deliciousness that improve and enhance every dish.
Rye Berry Salad with Herbed Kefir Dressing
Jennifer Davick
Kefir is a great tangy base for salad dressing, and just as good drizzled over a hearty grain salad as over greens. Get the Rye Berry Salad with Herbed Kefir Dressing recipe.
Yogurt Dipping Sauce with Lemon and Basil
Chowhound
This is a healthy dip that is a great match for fresh vegetables. The freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic, sugar, salt, pepper, and basil are mixed with plain low-fat yogurt for a refreshing dip that you can easily adapt with fresh herbs and spices of your choice. Get our Yogurt Dipping Sauce with Lemon and Basil recipe.
Light Orange Bean
This is a simple, step-by-step recipe for making kefir at home. Start with hydrated milk kefir grains and use the milk of your choice (cow, goat, sheep, raw, or unpasteurized) and then, with a little patience, you’ll have some homemade kefir in as little as 24 hours. Get the Milk Kefir recipe.
Yogurt Trifle with Pomegranate, Pear, and Dates
Chowhound
This is a major step up from your usual breakfast parfait. The trifle features pears, Medjool dates, honey, and pomegranate seeds, layered elegantly in a small glass for the perfect presentation. Get our Yogurt Trifle with Pomegranate, Pear, and Dates recipe.
Gastro Senses
The tangy kefir gives these pancakes a light fluffiness and they’re even better if you add in nuts, fresh fruit, or chocolate chips. Make a big batch and freeze them for an individual, self-serve breakfast when you’re in a hurry. Get the Fluffy Kefir Pancakes recipe.
The plain yogurt in this chicken marinade makes for a moist chicken kebab that tastes better the longer you leave it sitting. Lemon juice, ginger, paprika, garlic, freshly ground black pepper, cumin, and cayenne pack a powerful kick. Get our Spicy Yogurt Chicken recipe.
Keto Diet App
If you’re looking to explore kefir even further, try this recipe for coconut kefir made with fresh coconut. You can also substitute coconut milk (or coconut water if you have the right kefir starter). Get the Coconut Kefir recipe.
Salted Lassi with Cumin and Mint
A savory Indian yogurt drink made from whole-milk yogurt, fresh mint leaves, whole cumin seeds, salt, and sparkling water, this is a fantastic way to end a meal. It’s as refreshing as it is simple to make. Get our Salted Lassi with Cumin and Mint recipe.
Chilled Avocado, Cucumber, and Kefir Soup
Lauren Volo
Light, bright, fresh, and refreshing, this uplifting chilled soup is just the thing for summer, but can be a bright spot in the colder months too when you need a little culinary pick-me-up. Get the Chilled Avocado, Cucumber, and Kefir Soup recipe.
Related Video: The 10 Worst Yogurts You Can Buy, Based on Sugar Content
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