Baking with Buttermilk
One of the most popular uses of buttermilk is in baking. Its acidity reacts with baking soda or baking powder to produce carbon dioxide, which helps baked goods rise and become light and airy.
Buttermilk Pancakes
- Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or vegetable oil
- Directions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.
2. In another bowl, beat the egg, then add buttermilk and melted butter.
3. Pour wet ingredients into dry and gently stir until just combined.
4. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat; lightly grease.
5. Pour batter in ¼-cup portions and cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
6. Serve with syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.
Why use buttermilk? It creates tender, fluffy pancakes with a tangy flavor that complements sweet toppings.
Buttermilk Biscuits
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
3. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in buttermilk just until dough comes together.
5. Turn onto floured surface, knead gently, and roll out to 1-inch thickness.
6. Cut into rounds and place on baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
8. Serve warm, perfect with butter or gravy.
Benefits: These biscuits are flaky, tender, and have a slight tang from the buttermilk, making them a perfect side for breakfast or dinner.
Savory Dishes and Snacks
Buttermilk isn’t just for baking; it’s also a key ingredient in many savory recipes and snacks.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
- Ingredients:
- Chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, breasts)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder
- Flour for dredging
- Oil for frying
- Directions:
1. Marinate chicken in buttermilk with seasonings for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
2. Mix flour with seasonings.
3. Remove chicken from buttermilk, dredge in seasoned flour.
4. Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer.
5. Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Why buttermilk? It tenderizes the chicken and imparts a subtle tang that complements the crispy coating.
Buttermilk Salad Dressing
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Fresh herbs (dill, parsley, chives), chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Directions:
1. Whisk together all ingredients.
2. Adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Use: Perfect as a creamy, tangy dressing for salads, grilled vegetables, or as a dip for crispy snacks.
Sweet Treats Made with Buttermilk
Sweet recipes benefit from buttermilk’s tang and moisture, resulting in moist, flavorful desserts.
Buttermilk Blueberry Muffins
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, and eggs.
4. Combine wet and dry until just mixed.
5. Fold in blueberries.
6. Divide batter into muffin tins.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Result: Moist, fluffy muffins with bursts of blueberry flavor and a slight tang.
Buttermilk Pound Cake
- Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
4. Stir in vanilla.
5. Mix dry ingredients separately.
6. Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry.
7. Pour batter into the pan.
8. Bake for 60-70 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Why it’s special: The buttermilk keeps the cake moist and imparts a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
Using Buttermilk for Health and Cooking Benefits
Beyond taste, buttermilk offers several health benefits:
- Probiotics: It contains beneficial bacteria that aid digestion.
- Low in Calories: A good option for low-calorie, nutrient-rich foods.
- Rich in Calcium: Supports bone health.
In cooking, its acidity helps break down proteins, making meats more tender and digestible. It’s also a natural substitute for milk or yogurt in many recipes, providing a tangy flavor and moisture.
Creative and Unconventional Ideas
Looking to experiment? Here are some inventive ways to make the most of buttermilk:
- Buttermilk Smoothies: Blend with fruits and honey for a nutritious drink.
- Buttermilk Ice Cream: Use as a base for a tangy frozen treat.
- Marinades for Seafood: Soak fish or shrimp in buttermilk before cooking to enhance tenderness.
- Buttermilk Flatbreads or Crackers: Mix with herbs and bake for savory snacks.
- Buttermilk-based Soups: Incorporate into cold soups like gazpacho or chilled cucumber soup for added creaminess and flavor.
Conclusion
The question, what can I make with buttermilk, opens a world of culinary possibilities. From fluffy pancakes and tender biscuits to crispy fried chicken and tangy dressings, buttermilk’s unique properties make it an invaluable ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. Its ability to improve texture, add flavor, and provide health benefits makes it worth keeping in your refrigerator. Whether you’re baking, frying, or creating fresh dressings, experimenting with buttermilk can elevate your cooking and delight your taste buds. So next time you have some leftover buttermilk, remember there are countless delicious ways to use it—your kitchen and palate will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular baked goods I can make with buttermilk?
You can make delicious pancakes, waffles, biscuits, and cakes such as buttermilk pound cake or sponge cake using buttermilk.
Can I use buttermilk to make homemade bread?
Yes, buttermilk can be used as a liquid ingredient in bread recipes, helping to create a tender crumb and adding a tangy flavor.
What savory dishes can I prepare using buttermilk?
Buttermilk is great for making fried chicken, creamy dressings, marinades, and savory pancakes or pancakes with herbs.
Is buttermilk suitable for making smoothies or shakes?
Absolutely! Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture to smoothies and shakes, complementing fruits like berries or bananas.
How can I use buttermilk to make dips or sauces?
You can create creamy dips like ranch or blue cheese dressing, and sauces such as buttermilk ranch, by combining buttermilk with herbs and spices.
Can I make pancakes with buttermilk, and what's the benefit?
Yes, buttermilk is ideal for pancakes because it reacts with baking soda to create fluffy, tender pancakes with a slight tang.
Are there any traditional recipes that use buttermilk?
Traditional recipes like Irish soda bread, Southern fried chicken, and Indian buttermilk curry often include buttermilk as a key ingredient.
Can I use buttermilk in desserts besides cakes?
Yes, buttermilk can be used in panna cotta, mousse, or as a tangy component in fruit parfaits and custards.
What are some tips for substituting buttermilk in recipes?
If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to one cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.
