on Jun 11, 2019, Updated Aug 23, 2020 How many times have you pulled out a recipe for cake, gone through the list of ingredients and realized that you don’t have that one elusive ingredient that so many recipes use – buttermilk? It is one of the simplest ingredients and a by product when you churn butter out of cream. But who really does that anymore at home? Which basically means that I’m always stumped when a recipe calls for buttermilk.The next time you need some when baking, don’t be disappointed. You can make buttermilk at home in under 10 minutes, is far easier than you think and requires only two ingredients!
The Two Ingredients
This quick buttermilk recipe uses only two ingredients – milk and an acid which will help curdle the milk quickly and turn it into buttermilk. There are three different acids you can use: vinegar, lemon juice or plain yogurt. The process is really simple – mix the acid in the milk and then let it sit for 10 minutes till you see the milk curdling, and curds forming. And there, it’s ready!
How to Make Buttermilk (Step-by-Step)
Step 01: Pour milk into a jar Step 02: Add an acidic agent of your choice. I have used vinegar, but you can use lime juice or even plain yogurt. Step 03: Mix everything well, and allow this milk and acid mixture to sit for about 10 minutes. Step 04: After 10 minutes you’ll notice that the milk has curdled and your homemade buttermilk is ready!
The science behind using Buttermilk for Baking
A lot of baking recipes call for baking soda that is neutral. Buttermilk on the other hand is highly acidic due to the presence of lactic and citric acid and the lactobacillus present in it. The bacteria reacts with the neutral soda to produce carbon dioxide which helps fluff up cakes and pancakes beautifully. The reaction is almost instant, which is why it is recommended to mix both ingredients and hence requires for the mixing of both ingredients to be done only when other preparations and preheating has been arranged for. Buttermilk adds a lot of texture and tanginess to dishes and is way better than milk which is otherwise basic. This homemade buttermilk recipe is a great substitute when you don’t have some available at home. It’s even faster than heading out to the store to buy some.
Different Ways to Use Buttermilk
Buttermilk can be used to make a variety of things and it adds flavor to not just baked products but also enriches any fried, steamed and pan seared recipe. It is generally used in pancakes, cupcakes, to marinate chicken, as a brine for fried chicken, moist sponges, idlis, rice dishes and many more.
Recipes Ideas Using Buttermilk
Go ahead enjoy baking with this simple ingredient and see your cakes and pancakes attain a beautiful color and fluff. In case you’re wondering where to start off, we suggest you give our Orange Buttermilk Pound Cake a try! And hey! This star ingredient isn’t just limited to desserts! You can use it to make appetizers too! We love using it to make our KFC Style Spicy Popcorn Chicken with it!
