Fermented milk products offer a ton of nutrition including probiotics for gut health. Kefir can be consumed directly, poured into cereals, or used in recipes for smoothies, parfaits, pancakes, and milkshakes. For a tangier meal, kefir can replace milk, yogurt, buttermilk, sour cream, and even mayo in recipes. It is also a great dairy option for the lactose intolerant or lactose sensitive, so why not give it a try!
Incorporate Fermented Milk Products into Your Diet
Kefir can be enjoyed in numerous ways, many an easy substitution to the foods you already make. Here are some great foods kefir can be added to:
Overnight oats are a satisfying breakfast made by combining oats and spices with milk and possibly yogurt, making it a perfect choice for kefir. Using plain kefir for these simple Banana Bread Overnight Oats boosts the nutrition value and gives them a creamy texture. A touch of all-spice and maple syrup paired with ripe bananas makes this the perfect replacement for calorie-laden banana bread. Use walnuts, pecans, or any combination of your favorite nuts. Yum!
Parfaits are another satisfying breakfast option. Often combining Greek yogurt with sliced fruits, nuts, and sweet syrups like honey, parfaits are an easy option for leftover kefir. Serve up kefir-filled parfaits for the entire family. This Hawaiian Harvest Smoothie Bowl, using kefir and Greek yogurt for high-quality protein, is a great place to kick off your creativity in creating your next favorite parfait. It’s perfectly balanced with a little tang and just a hint of sweetness.
Bakers can add kefir to bakes like bread and muffins. Recipes that commonly ask for sour cream or even milk to create an almost tender bake can use kefir for a tangy flavor and smooth texture.
A simple way to add kefir to your diet is by adding it to creamy salad dressings and dips. Have a kefir-based dip for your veggie sticks come snack time. This thick, creamy Buttermilk-Blue Cheese Dressing can be both a dressing and a dip, possibly served over a salad or used as a dipping sauce for fresh veggies. Substitute either dairy product with kefir, or just add it on top of the listed dairy for a slightly thinner dressing.
And if you love to make homemade ice cream with the kids, let them pour in kefir. Kefir will give the similar taste that yogurt gives to homemade sorbet, but with a texture closer to your favorite soft serve creations.
As a probiotic drink, kefir can improve gut health by increasing beneficial microbes and decreasing harmful microbial species. Add kefir to your smoothies, like this Kefir Pumpkin Pie Smoothie. Kefir’s tart flavor makes it an obvious pairing of the subtly sweet pumpkin and sweeter maple syrup.