These easy recipes for homemade Buttermilk are so simple to make. They only require a few ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Buttermilk is an essential ingredient in many recipes, from pancakes to biscuits to cakes and marinades. It adds a delicious tangy flavor and helps to create a light and fluffy texture. This recipe makes about 1 cup of Buttermilk, but it can easily be doubled or tripled if you need more.
Why bother making homemade Buttermilk when you can buy it at the grocery store?
The answer is simple: homemade Buttermilk is tastier than the store-bought variety! Not to mention, it’s incredibly easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients.
What’s more, making your own Buttermilk allows you to control the quality of the ingredients, which is especially important if you’re using it in baking recipes. And last but not least, it’s pretty darn cheap to make!
Why do some baking recipes require Buttermilk?
The short answer is that Buttermilk is a leavening agent. Buttermilk helps produce a light and tender crumb in cakes, quick breads, and pancakes. It does this in two ways:
Buttermilk contains lactic acid, which reacts with baking soda (or baking powder) to produce carbon dioxide gas. This gas helps to leaven the batter, resulting in a lighter and airier final product.
The high-fat content of Buttermilk adds richness and moistness to baked goods.
Why use fresh Buttermilk in a baking recipe?
There are several reasons why you might want to use fresh Buttermilk in your baking recipes:
1. For one, it tastes much better than store-bought Buttermilk. It’s also more nutritious since you’re using fresh milk and cream instead of processed milk products.
2. The fat content in fresh Buttermilk is higher than in store-bought Buttermilk. Higher fat gives your baked goods a beautiful, creamy texture. As a result, your cakes, cookies, and other baked treats will be richer and moister.
So if you’re looking for the best possible results in your baking, go for fresh Buttermilk!
Benefits of making your own Buttermilk:
There are three main benefits of making your own buttermilk: taste, nutrition, and cost.
Why homemade Buttermilk tastes better than store-bought?
Homemade Buttermilk tastes much better because it’s made fresh! The grocery store buttermilk may have been made weeks ago. In addition, when you make Buttermilk at home, you’re using pasteurized milk (or, even better, raw milk), which means the flavors are more vibrant and less processed.
Is homemade Buttermilk more nutritious?
Yes, it is! Store-bought Buttermilk is often made with skim milk, which means it lacks some of the critical nutrients found in whole milk. On the other hand, when you make your own Buttermilk at home, you can use any milk of your choice. You can choose a variety with a higher number of nutrients like calcium and vitamin D.
Is homemade Buttermilk cheaper than store-bought?
Yes, it is! A gallon of milk typically costs around $3.74, and you can make about 16 cups of Buttermilk from that. That means each cup of Buttermilk costs about 23 cents to make at home, compared to the $0.75 or more you’d pay for a cup of store-bought Buttermilk.
How to make Buttermilk from scratch: a step-by-step guide
There are two different ways of making homemade Buttermilk: the traditional method and the quick method. I’ll show you both so that you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
1. Traditional Method: How to make Buttermilk with Culture
Cultured Buttermilk has been used in India for centuries and is an integral part of Indian cuisine. It is believed to have originated in the Vedic period when it was used as a sacrificial drink. Buttermilk was also used as a curative for various ailments and was thought to have medicinal properties.
Buttermilk is a vital ingredient in many Indian dishes. It adds a refreshing tang to curries and sauces and is used as a marinade for meat and vegetables. It is also excellent for making lassis (a refreshing yogurt drink) and chaas (spiced Buttermilk). Buttermilk is very low in fat and calories, making it a healthy choice for those watching their weight. It is also a good source of calcium and vitamin B12.
Cultured Buttermilk is a fermented dairy product. The traditional method involves culturing milk by adding bacteria and live, active cultures to produce Buttermilk. While this may sound complicated, it’s pretty simple. All you need is milk and a starter culture (you can use yogurt, kefir, or even another batch of Buttermilk). The milk is then left to sit at a warm temperature for 12-24 hours until it thickens and develops a slightly tart flavor. Then, dilute the resulted yogurt with water to make Buttermilk.
Ingredients:
To make this recipe, you will need:
1 cup milk of regular milk or non-dairy milk
1 tablespoon of active culture (Yogurt, Greek yogurt, Kefir or Vegan Yogurt Starter Culture)
Instructions:
1. Heat the milk to about 86 degrees Fahrenheit. You can do this by heating it on the stovetop or microwave.
2. Add the culture to the milk and stir gently to combine.
3. Cover the bowl or pot with a lid or towel and let it sit at room temperature for 12-24 hours. The longer you let it ferment, the more sour the yogurt and Buttermilk will be.
4. Once it reaches your desired level of sourness, transfer the yogurt to a jar or container and store it in the fridge. It will keep for up to 2 weeks.
5. When you need Buttermilk for a recipe, whisk one part of yogurt with three parts of cold water.
And that’s all there is to it! As you can see, making your own Buttermilk from scratch is easy peasy. So next time you’re in the mood for some delicious homemade pancakes or waffles, give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
2. Quick Method For Instant Homemade Buttermilk:
The quick method for making Buttermilk is my preferred method because it’s just that – quick! All you need is a cup of milk and an acid (lemon juice or vinegar). The milk is then combined with the acid and allowed to sit for 5-10 minutes. The process of milk coagulation makes the milk thicken and curdle.
Ingredients:
To make this recipe, you will need:
1 cup milk (any kind of milk: regular milk or non-dairy milk)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or vinegar (Any vinegar: white vinegar, apple cider vinegar)
Instructions:
1. Pour the milk into a measuring cup or bowl.
2. Add the lemon juice or vinegar and stir gently to combine.
3. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly and forms clumps.
4. Use immediately in your favorite recipe, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
And that’s all there is to it! This homemade buttermilk recipe is so easy to make, and it tastes just as good (if not better) than store-bought Buttermilk. Give it a try the next time you need Buttermilk for a recipe, and see how much better your baked goods turn out. Enjoy!
How to Use Homemade Buttermilk:
Regardless of how you made it, the homemade Buttermilk can be used in any recipe that calls for Buttermilk. Here are a few of my favorite recipes:
Pancakes:
Buttermilk pancakes are light and fluffy, and they have a subtle tang from the Buttermilk.
Waffles:
Buttermilk waffles are crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside. They’re also super easy to make!
Homemade Biscuits:
Buttermilk biscuits are flaky, tender, and absolutely delicious. Serve them with butter and honey for a real treat!
Indian Recipes:
Buttermilk is one of the essential ingredients for the following recipes. However, they taste better when made with cultured Buttermilk.
- Spiced buttermilk (Masala chaas)
- Mango lassi
- Curried vegetables in buttermilk sauce
- Buttermilk marinated tandoori chicken
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- Gujarati Kadhi
Conclusion:
Homemade Buttermilk is easy to make and well worth the effort.
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make buttermilk recipe, look no further! This homemade buttermilk recipe is quick, simple, and tastes great. Whether you use it in pancakes, waffles, biscuits, or any other recipe that calls for Buttermilk, you’ll be sure to enjoy the results. So give it a try today and see for yourself!
FAQs about Buttermilk:
What is Buttermilk?
Buttermilk is a dairy product made from the liquid remaining after milk has been churned to make butter. It is rich in lactic acid and has a slightly sour taste.
How to make dairy-free Homemade Buttermilk?
For non-dairy Buttermilk, use any dairy-free milk like Coconut milk, Almond Milk, Soy milk, or oat milk. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice or one tablespoon of vinegar to one cup of non-dairy milk. Follow the directions above.
What are the benefits of drinking Buttermilk?
Buttermilk is a good source of calcium, potassium, and vitamin B12. It also contains lactic acid, which has been shown to have several health benefits, including improved digestion and immune function.
How do I use Buttermilk in recipes?
Buttermilk is used in various recipes, including pancakes, biscuits, and salad dressings. It can also be used as a marinade for fried chicken or tandoori vegetables.
What is the shelf life of Buttermilk?
Buttermilk will last for 2-3 weeks when stored in the refrigerator. After that, it will begin to spoil and should be discarded.
What is the nutritional value of Buttermilk?
A cup of Buttermilk contains approximately:
- Calories: 99
- Total fat: 2.5 g
- Saturated fat: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 8 mg
- Sodium: 107 mg
- Total carbohydrates: 11 g
- Dietary fiber: 0 g
- Sugars: 11 g
What are some easy buttermilk substitutes?
There are a few possible substitutes for Buttermilk, including yogurt or sour cream.
Can I freeze Buttermilk?
Yes, you can freeze Buttermilk. Freeze buttermilk in an ice cube tray. When your recipe calls for a tablespoon of Buttermilk, take one of the cubes and let it thaw at room temperature. Freezing cultured Buttermilk will not kill the bacteria that give Buttermilk its unique flavor, but it may change the texture slightly. Use frozen Buttermilk within two months for best quality.
What is the history of Buttermilk?
The history of Buttermilk goes back thousands of years to when people first began fermenting milk. It was initially a by-product of butter making and was often given to animals or used as a fertilizer. Buttermilk became more popular in the United States when companies began mass-producing it in the early 20th century.
PrintHomemade Buttermilk Recipe
Need buttermilk for your recipe but don’t have it on hand? Here are 2 easy homemade buttermilk recipes to make your own instant & cultured buttermilk!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
Ingredients
1 cup milk (any kind of milk: regular milk or non-dairy milk)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or vinegar (Any vinegar: white vinegar, apple cider vinegar)
Instructions
1. Pour the milk into a measuring cup or bowl.
2. Add the lemon juice or vinegar and stir gently to combine.
3. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly and forms clumps.
4. Use immediately in your favorite recipe, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Notes
To make Cultured Buttermilk, you will need:
1 cup milk of regular milk or non-dairy milk
1 tablespoon of active culture (Yogurt, Greek yogurt, Kefir or Vegan Yogurt Starter Culture)
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Heat the milk to about 86 degrees Fahrenheit. You can do this by heating it on the stovetop or microwave.
2. Add the culture to the milk and stir gently to combine.
3. Cover the bowl or pot with a lid or towel and let it sit at room temperature for 12-24 hours. The longer you let it ferment, the more sour the yogurt and Buttermilk will be.
4. Once it reaches your desired level of sourness, transfer the yogurt to a jar or container and store it in the fridge. It will keep for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Drinks
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Keywords: How to make Buttermilk, make your own buttermilk