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Home » Homegrown Eats » 3 Simple Milk Kefir Smoothie Recipes
These kefir smoothie recipes are a simple way to use up leftover fruit and vegetables while getting a big dose of healthy probiotics. Here are some simple kefir smoothie recipes that you and your loved ones are sure to enjoy!
A few months back, I finally got fed up paying top dollar for the tiny bottles of organic kefir at my local supermarket. I did quick search online for milk kefir grains and paid $7 plus $2 shipping for a small pouch of milky white gobs (I bought these ones). Three days later the postwoman slipped them into my mailbox. Okay ‘now what?” I thought.
I’m on a mission to learn how to make the foods and products that my family regularly eats and uses at home. In fact this whole blog is a documentation of everything I learn! Since we drink kefir every day, I figured it was a good drink to learn how to make. It’s now been a few months since I’ve been making our kefir, and I’m shocked at how simple and straight-forward it is.
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FAQ
What is kefir?
Kefir is a fermented milk that has a similar consistency to yogurt. It tastes sour and tangy.
What do you need to make milk kefir at home?
You need milk kefir grains (see sources above), milk, a glass jar, and a strainer. You can then blend fruit and vegetables into the kefir to make sweeter a kefir smoothie.
How to make milk kefir?
– Put your milk kefir grains into a glass jar.
– Pour about two cups of milk over top of the grains.
– Leave loosely covered on your counter top for 24-36 hours.
– Depending on the temperature of your kitchen, it could take a bit longer to ferment. It could also take slightly longer the first time your use your grains, because they need to activate.
– Strain off the grains and put them back in the glass jar.
– Pour fresh milk over them.
– Leave this to sit out for another 24 hours and repeat this process.
– Add the strained kefir to a new glass jar and put into the fridge.
How long does homemade kefir last?
Homemade kefir lasts about two weeks in the fridge.
What to do with the excess grains?
Your kefir grains will multiple every time you make kefir. And the more grains you add into your glass jar with fresh milk, the faster the milk will ferment. You will eventually need to get rid of a portion of your grains to avoid fermenting your milk too quickly! You can compost them or give them to a friends or family member so they can start making their own kefir.
How to take a break from making kefir?
If you want to stop making kefir for a while, take your grains and put them in a small glass container. Cover the grains with fresh milk to them and seal the container. Add the container to the fridge. I’ve left my grains like this for months – I just try to replace the milk every few weeks.
Now, while it’s simple to make, store-bought kefir tends to be less sour than homemade. There may be an adjustment period for yourself or your family to get used to the new taste. One way to ease the transition is to make kefir smoothies!
How to take a break from making kefir?
If you want to stop making kefir for a while, take your grains and put them in a small glass container. Cover the grains with fresh milk to them and seal the container. Add the container to the fridge. I’ve left my grains like this for months – I just try to replace the milk every few weeks.
Now, while it’s simple to make, store-bought kefir tends to be less sour than homemade. There may be an adjustment period for yourself or your family to get used to the new taste. One way to ease the transition is to make kefir smoothies!
Here are three great smoothie recipes that you can use to get everyone used to the new flavour.
3 milk kefir smoothie recipes
One small tip before we get started, smoothies should be cold. When making kefir smoothies without frozen fruit, make sure your kefir has been in the fridge for a while beforehand.
1. Banana and peanut butter kefir smoothie recipe
- 1 cup of milk kefir
- 1 tablespoon of organic peanut butter
- ½ banana
- Blend until completely smooth.
2. Kefir smoothie for cold weather
- 1 cup of milk kefir
- ¼ roasted butternut squash
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon raw local honey
3. Green kefir smoothie
- 1 cup of milk kefir
- 1-2 leaves of organic kale
- ½ cup frozen mixed berries
I find that kefir smoothies are a good way to use up fruit and vegetables that are about to go to waste. I’ve thrown roasted pumpkin and squash, spinach, and even pureed carrots into a blender with kefir and honey or mixed berries, and no one suspects a thing.
I hope you enjoy the tangy goodness of homemade kefir!
Do you have any favourite kefir smoothie recipes? Please share them in the comments!
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