Making homemade bread reminds me vividly of spending untold hours in my grandma's kitchen in Appalachia. I've simplified the process for you!
What is Kefir
Kefir milk is a fermented dairy beverage that is made by adding kefir grains to milk.
Kefir grains are not actual grains but rather a combination of bacteria and yeast that resemble small, gelatinous, cauliflower-like structures. These grains ferment the lactose in milk, turning it into kefir.
Kefir Probiotics
Kefir is known for its probiotic content, providing a source of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to a healthy gut microbiome.
It is often considered a more potent source of probiotics than traditional yogurt. The nutritional content can vary based on the type of milk used and the fermentation process.
Kefir Bread
Kefir milk offers several potential health benefits, largely due to its rich probiotic content and other nutrients.
Homemade kefir bread allows you to control the ingredients and make healthier choices. When buying kefir bread from a store, read the ingredient list and nutritional information to make an informed choice.
I'm not much of a baker, but I do love to bake. My style is simple, rustic and rogue. For more bread recipes, click here. I must say some pretty delicious things happening!
Bake with Kefir
While the baking process may reduce the number of live probiotics in the bread, the final product may still contain some beneficial byproducts and components of the kefir that can contribute to flavor and potential health benefits.
Sourdough Kefir Bread
The main purpose of using kefir in this recipe for the bread is for ease of making homemade bread.
The thick rich kefir helps create a delicious bread that's moist and tender.
Homemade Bread Dutch Oven
You have the choice of what you want to bake this bread in. A bread pan will make it like a traditional loaf of bread.
Using a Dutch oven will give a round boule look, more of an artisan look.
And, if you want to go wild, just pour the sticky gooey dough on a cookie sheet. It'll take it's own shape during the baking process.
With any of these options or others, be sure to use parchment paper!
Fluffy Kefir Bread
I've made this bread several times.
And, each time, it turns out slightly differently depending upon how I package it to bake.
I've simply put the big blob of thick dough on a piece of parchment paper in a pie plate. The bread spreads and bakes into a flatter type of bread that spreads out as it bakes.
I've also used a bread pan for baking. The thick dough is then contained and as it bakes it rises and fills the baking pan resulting in a 'loaf' bread.
Kefir Sourdough
This bread has a delicious aroma when sliced. You can pick up scents of sourdough. The texture of the bread is thick and 'doughy' without being gooey.
I don't knead the bread. I do put it in the baking implement (parchment paper always), cover it with a clean dish towel and let it sit on the counter about 25 to 30 minutes before baking.
No Yeast Bread
Some recipes for homemade bread, of course, call for yeast. None is used in this recipe. And, an added bonus, no kneading. Yep, I like to make things simple, and, quite frankly, I've had nothing but rave reviews with this bread.
However, in order to get more of a 'rise' action, I use self-rising flour as well as baking powder. That gives the desired look, feel, and texture of bread for me.
Bread without Yeast Recipe
While this homemade bread recipe is technically not sourdough, it does have some of the taste and feel of sourdough. Actually, I think it's a better taste that strict sourdough.
For those who are rogue bakers like me, who want to make homemade bread, but who don't want the time, energy, hassle of the steps leading up to it, I think this recipe gives you an end product that's absolutely divine!
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