Some Quick Probiotics: Happy Gut

Here are few quick easy to make recipes:

Kefir:

Kefir is a fermented dairy product similar to yogurt but with a thinner consistency and a tangy flavor. It's made by adding kefir grains (a combination of bacteria and yeast) to milk and allowing it to ferment for about 24 hours. Here's a simple recipe to make kefir at home:



Homemade Kefir

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon kefir grains
  • 2 cups milk (any type of milk can be used)

Instructions:

  • Place the kefir grains in a clean glass jar.
  • Add the milk to the jar and stir gently to combine.
  • Cover the jar with a clean cloth or paper towel and secure it with a rubber band.
  • Allow the mixture to ferment at room temperature for 24-48 hours, depending on your desired level of fermentation.
  • Once the kefir reaches your desired consistency and taste, strain out the kefir grains using a fine mesh strainer.
  • Transfer the kefir to a clean glass jar and store it in the refrigerator.
Enjoy your homemade kefir plain or with your favorite fruits and sweeteners.

Sauerkraut:

Sauerkraut is a fermented cabbage dish that is popular in many cultures. It's made by massaging salt into shredded cabbage, which draws out moisture and creates a brine that allows the cabbage to ferment. Here's a simple recipe to make sauerkraut at home:



Homemade Sauerkraut:

Ingredients:

  • 1 head of cabbage, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon sea salt

Instructions:

  • Place the shredded cabbage in a large bowl and sprinkle the salt over the top.
  • Using clean hands, massage the salt into the cabbage for 5-10 minutes, until it starts to release its juices.
  • Pack the cabbage tightly into a clean glass jar, pressing it down to remove any air bubbles.
  • Pour any remaining liquid from the bowl into the jar to cover the cabbage.
  • Place a weight on top of the cabbage to keep it submerged under the liquid.
  • Cover the jar with a clean cloth or paper towel and secure it with a rubber band.
  • Allow the sauerkraut to ferment at room temperature for 1-2 weeks, tasting it periodically until it reaches your desired level of fermentation.
  • Once fermented, store the sauerkraut in the refrigerator.
Enjoy your homemade sauerkraut as a topping for sandwiches, salads, or as a side dish.

Kimchi:

Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made from fermented vegetables, typically cabbage or radishes, and seasoned with chili pepper flakes, garlic, ginger, and other spices. Here's a simple recipe to make kimchi at home:



Homemade Kimchi
Ingredients:

  • 1 head of cabbage, chopped
  • 1/4 cup sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons Korean red chili pepper flakes (gochugaru)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)

Instructions:
  • Place the chopped cabbage in a large bowl and sprinkle the salt over the top.
  • Massage the salt into the cabbage for 5-10 minutes, until it starts to release its juices.
  • Rinse the cabbage under cold water to remove excess salt, then drain and set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the chili pepper flakes, garlic, ginger, green onions, fish sauce, and sugar (if using).
  • Add the cabbage to the bowl with the seasoning mixture and toss to combine, making sure the cabbage is evenly coated.
  • Pack the seasoned cabbage tightly into a clean glass jar, pressing it down to remove any air bubbles.
  • Cover the jar with a clean cloth or paper towel and secure it with a rubber band.
  • Allow the kimchi to ferment at room temperature for 1-2 days, then transfer it to the refrigerator.
Enjoy your homemade kimchi as a side dish or condiment.

Miso:

Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans, salt, and koji (a type of fungus). It has a salty, savory flavor and is commonly used in soups, marinades, and dressings. Here's a simple recipe to make miso soup at home:


Homemade Miso Soup

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups dashi broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 3 tablespoons miso paste
  • 1/2 block tofu, diced
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 sheet nori (seaweed), sliced into thin strips
Optional: cooked noodles, mushrooms, spinach, etc.

Instructions:

  • In a medium saucepan, bring the dashi broth to a simmer over medium heat.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the miso paste with a few tablespoons of hot broth until smooth.
  • Add the miso mixture to the saucepan and stir to combine.
  • Add the tofu, green onions, nori, and any other optional ingredients you'd like to include.
  • Simmer the soup for 5-10 minutes, until heated through and the flavors have melded together.
  • Remove the soup from heat and serve hot.
Enjoy your homemade miso soup as a comforting and nourishing meal.

Tempeh:

Tempeh is a fermented soybean product originating from Indonesia. It has a firm texture and a nutty, earthy flavor, making it a versatile ingredient in vegetarian and vegan cooking. Here's a simple recipe to make tempeh stir-fry at home:



Homemade Tempeh Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

  • 1 package tempeh, cut into cubes
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Instructions:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup or honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger to make the marinade.
  • Place the tempeh cubes in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the top, tossing to coat evenly.
  • Allow the tempeh to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best flavor.
  • In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
  • Add the marinated tempeh to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and crispy on all sides.
  • Remove the tempeh from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then add the bell pepper, carrot, and broccoli.
  • Stir-fry the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, until crisp-tender.
  • Return the cooked tempeh to the skillet and toss to combine with the vegetables.
  • Serve the tempeh stir-fry hot over cooked rice or noodles.
Enjoy your homemade tempeh stir fry.


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