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Homemade milk kefir in a labeled glass jar with a small glass of kefir and a jar of milk kefir grains beside it.

Homemade Milk Kefir

Learn how to make milk kefir at home with just 2 ingredients. This homemade milk kefir is creamy, tangy, and ready in about 24 hours with 5 minutes of hands-on work.
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Fermentation Time: 1 day
Total Time: 1 day 5 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: All
Servings: 2 cups
Author: Shilpa

Equipment

  • Glass jar (1 quart)
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Cloth cover or paper towel with rubber band

Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon kefir grains (active)

Instructions

  • Place the kefir grains in a clean glass jar and pour the milk over them. Do not stir.
  • Cover the jar with a breathable cloth or paper towel secured with a rubber band. Set on the counter away from direct sunlight.
  • Let the milk ferment at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours, until slightly thickened and pleasantly tangy. Warmer kitchens ferment faster.
  • Set a fine mesh strainer over a clean jar and pour the kefir through, stirring gently so the kefir passes through and the grains stay behind.
  • Transfer the grains to fresh milk to start the next batch. Lid the finished kefir and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

  • Whole milk produces the creamiest kefir, but 2% milk also works well.
  • Avoid using metal strainers or utensils with kefir grains for extended periods. Plastic or stainless steel with brief contact is generally considered safe, but plastic is the easiest option.
  • If your kitchen is warm, fermentation may finish in 18 to 20 hours. Cooler rooms may take up to 36 hours.
  • Slight separation into curds and whey is normal and simply means the kefir has fermented longer.
  • The standard kefir grains to milk ratio is 1 tablespoon of grains per 2 cups of milk, and it scales in either direction.
  • If you're taking a break, store the grains in fresh milk in the refrigerator for up to one week before feeding them again.

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 125mg | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 492IU | Calcium: 300mg
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