Soy kefir is a fermented drink that is made from soy milk and kefir grains. It is a vegan alternative to milk kefir and is packed with probiotics, vitamins, and minerals. This dairy-free drink is a great source of protein and is low in fat and calories. Soy kefir is easy to make at home and is a great addition to your diet. In this article, we will share a delicious soy kefir recipe that you can make in the comfort of your own home.
Ingredients
To make soy kefir, you will need the following ingredients:
1 cup soy milk
1 teaspoon kefir grains
1 tablespoon sugar
1 glass jar with a lid
Soy Milk
When choosing soy milk for your soy kefir, make sure to choose unsweetened soy milk. Sweetened soy milk has added sugar, which can affect the fermentation process. Also, make sure that the soy milk is free from additives and preservatives.
Kefir Grains
Kefir grains are a combination of bacteria and yeast that are used to ferment the soy milk. You can buy kefir grains online or from a health food store. Make sure to choose live kefir grains for the best results.
Sugar
Sugar is used to feed the kefir grains during the fermentation process. You can use any type of sugar, such as white sugar or brown sugar.
Instructions
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, let's get started with the recipe.
Step 1: Prepare the Soy Milk
Heat the soy milk in a saucepan until it reaches 180°F. This will help to sterilize the soy milk and prevent any unwanted bacteria from growing. Once the soy milk has reached 180°F, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Add the Kefir Grains
Once the soy milk has cooled to room temperature, add the kefir grains to the glass jar. Then, pour the soy milk over the kefir grains.
Step 3: Add the Sugar
Add the sugar to the soy milk and stir until it dissolves.
Step 4: Cover the Jar
Cover the jar with a lid and place it in a warm spot in your kitchen. The ideal temperature for fermenting soy kefir is between 68°F and 78°F.
Step 5: Leave to Ferment
Leave the jar to ferment for 24 to 48 hours. The longer you leave it to ferment, the tangier the soy kefir will be. You can taste the soy kefir after 24 hours to see if it has reached your desired taste. If it is not tangy enough, leave it to ferment for another 12 to 24 hours.
Step 6: Strain the Soy Kefir
Once the soy kefir has fermented, strain it through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean jar. The kefir grains can be used to make another batch of soy kefir. Rinse the kefir grains with cold water and store them in the fridge in a glass jar filled with water until you are ready to use them again.
Step 7: Refrigerate the Soy Kefir
Refrigerate the soy kefir for at least 2 hours before serving. This will help to thicken the soy kefir and make it creamier.
Nutrition
Soy kefir is a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is also low in fat and calories, making it a great addition to your diet. Here is the nutrition information for a 1-cup serving of soy kefir:
Calories: 99
Protein: 7g
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 9g
Calcium: 30% of the daily value
Vitamin D: 25% of the daily value
Conclusion
Soy kefir is a delicious and nutritious drink that is easy to make at home. It is a vegan alternative to milk kefir and is packed with probiotics, vitamins, and minerals. We hope that you enjoy making this soy kefir recipe and incorporating it into your daily diet. Cheers to good health!