What is a Kefir Sourdough Starter?
Let’s start with the basics. I am always amazed at the number of people I meet who have never heard of kefir. So what is kefir? Kefir is fermented milk. Well, I’m sure you’re thinking that doesn’t sound great. But I promise you its delicious! It tastes like a smooth yogurt. However, it has an even better nutritional profile than yogurt. And it is incredibly good for your health, especially when you make a kefir sourdough starter.
Kefir is filled with probiotics as well as protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B12, B2 and magnesium. It has even been proven to contain antibacterial properties that can help protect against infection. Would you believe that studies are showing it may contain anti-cancer properties as well? Because the kefir is fermented it is believed to reduce tumor growth by improving your immune system. Finally, kefir is great for your digestive health as it is low in lactose which many of us today have difficulty digesting.
So why make a kefir sourdough starter? If you are looking to bake sourdough products for the health benefits, but aren’t interested in maintaining an active starter, kefir sourdough is a great place to start. Because you can whip up the starter quickly and you only have to use it once! Then you can create all sorts of kefir sourdough baked goods including pancakes, waffles, breads, desserts, biscuits and more.
Where to Find a Great Kefir
I can purchase kefir from the local dairy farm where I source my raw milk. This is a fantastic option for those that have it available. I always recommend trying to buy local. Especially if your local farm has grass-fed cows who roam on open pasture and are never given hormones or antibiotics. But I understand that many do not have this available to them, so there is a great alternative. And that is this kefir found at Alexandre Family Farms. It is probably the best tasting kefir I’ve ever had, super smooth and vibrant. And it is from 100% grass-fed cows on regenerative farms, which I love. You can find it at your local Whole Foods and it is starting to appear in other grocery stores as well. Or you can purchase online.
Healthy Kefir Sourdough Ingredients
For the kefir sourdough starter, it does not get any easier. The recipe is simply kefir and flour. That’s it! Who doesn’t have time to make something with 2 ingredients? I promise its worth it.
Finally, for the kefir sourdough pancakes, I use simple whole food ingredients. These include; einkorn flour, sea salt, baking soda, baking powder, butter, raw milk and eggs. I love this healthy breakfast! So if you’re looking for more information on einkorn flour and how to work with it, check out my Artisan Einkorn Bread recipe here. Einkorn flour is my absolute favorite flour to bake with. I purchase einkorn flour from my FAVORITE company Jovial Foods. You can find it by clicking this link here.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.
How to Make Kefir Sourdough Starter (Plus Pancake Recipe)
If you are looking to bake sourdough products for the health benefits, but aren’t interested in maintaining an active starter, kefir sourdough is a great place to start.
Prep Time
48.5 hours
Cook Time
25 min.
Yield
Six 6″ Pancakes
Meal
Breakfast
Kefir Sourdough Starter
Ingredients:
- 1 cup kefir
- 1 cup all purpose einkorn flour
Directions:
- Mix the kefir and flour in a glass bowl or jar. (It is important not to use metal, as that changes the fermentation). Cover tightly with a lid. Set aside on the counter for 48 hours to ferment. That’s it! Use as you please in a variety of baked goods. Don’t forget to check out my favorite healthy brands of kefir and einkorn flour.
Kefir Sourdough Pancakes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all purpose einkorn flour
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup kefir starter
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 3/4 cup raw milk
- 2 eggs
Directions:
- Whisk the flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder in a large bowl until combined.
- Add the starter, butter, milk and eggs to the flour bowl. Stir to combine. Add in any mix ins such as chocolate chips, fruit, nuts, etc if you’d like.
- Butter a cast iron skillet and turn the stove onto medium heat. Make sure the skillet is nice and hot before adding your pancake mix. Pour the batter into the skillet and flip when golden. Enjoy!