Paleo Buttermilk: Recipes and Variations

Buttermilk, known for its tangy flavor and ability to create light and fluffy baked goods, has been reimagined for the paleo diet. This article explores how to enjoy buttermilk in a paleo-friendly way, focusing on recipes and variations that cater to this specific dietary approach.

Paleo Buttermilk Syrup

Buttermilk syrup, a creation with Utah origins from a local restaurant called “Magleby’s,” can be adapted for a paleo diet. The original recipe, which used corn syrup, is modified by substituting it with real maple syrup while maintaining the butter content.

Paleo Buttermilk Syrup Recipe

Ingredients:

• Maple syrup
• Coconut buttermilk
• Butter
• Baking soda
• Vanilla

Instructions:

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the syrup, coconut buttermilk, butter, and baking soda. Warm slowly until the butter is melted, whisking occasionally.
2. Bring the mixture to a slow boil, watching carefully to prevent it from bubbling over. The reaction between the baking soda and buttermilk can cause foaming.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, keeping a close watch to avoid burning.
4. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla.
5. Serve warm.

Paleo Buttermilk Pancakes

Pancakes are a breakfast staple, and paleo buttermilk pancakes offer a healthy, grain-free alternative to traditional recipes.

Read also: The Ultimate Guide to Buttermilk on Keto

Key Ingredients and Considerations

• Coconut Milk: Light coconut milk is recommended for a better texture.
• Flour Combination: A mix of coconut and tapioca flour is ideal for nut-free paleo pancakes. Tapioca flour is also called tapioca starch.
• Cooking Temperature: Cook paleo pancakes on medium to medium-low heat to prevent the outside from burning before the inside is cooked.

Paleo Buttermilk Pancake Recipe

Ingredients:

• Coconut flour
• Tapioca flour
• Baking powder (paleo-friendly, see note below)
• Sea salt
• Light coconut milk
• Eggs
• Butter or coconut oil, for greasing the pan
• Pure maple syrup and fruit, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the coconut flour, tapioca flour, paleo baking powder, and sea salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. The batter will be thick.
4. Pre-heat griddle and melt more butter (or fat of choice) until hot.
5. Gently spread pancakes into a circular shape beginning in the center.
6. Cook over medium-low heat until bubbles form, then flip and continue to cook until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with fruit and pure maple syrup.

Note: To make paleo (corn-free) baking powder, mix 1 tsp baking soda with 2 tsp cream of tartar.

Variations and Add-ins:

• Blueberry Pancakes: Add blueberries to the batter before cooking.
• Other Fruits and Nuts: Sprinkle fruit or nuts on top of the batter before flipping.

Dairy-Free Buttermilk Substitute

For those following a paleo diet, a dairy-free buttermilk substitute can be made using non-dairy milk and lemon juice. This mixture mimics the acidity and texture of traditional buttermilk.

Instructions:

1. Add 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon lemon juice to 1 1/3 cups (315 ml) non-dairy milk of choice.
2. Let sit for 5 minutes before using.

Paleo Buttermilk Biscuits

Biscuits are another baked good that can be adapted for the paleo diet using buttermilk. These biscuits can be made in less than 30 minutes.

Read also: The Best Time for Buttermilk

Paleo Buttermilk Biscuit Recipe

Ingredients:

• Flour (almond or cassava flour)
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Cheddar cheese (optional, omit for strict paleo)
• Softened butter
• Buttermilk

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and soda, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
2. Mix in cheddar cheese (if using).
3. Add softened butter and use a spatula to mix all the ingredients together.
4. Lastly, add the buttermilk to combine with the ingredients, making sure not to overmix the dough because it could make the biscuits tough.
5. Once combined, use an ice cream scoop to scoop out biscuits onto the lined baking sheet.
6. Press down slightly then melt the extra tablespoon of butter and baste each biscuit.

General Tips for Paleo Baking

• Flour Alternatives: Almond flour, coconut flour, and tapioca flour are common substitutes for wheat flour in paleo baking.
• Sweeteners: Maple syrup, honey, and coconut sugar are used as alternatives to refined sugars.
• Dairy Substitutes: Coconut milk and almond milk are used in place of dairy milk.
• Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is corn-free for a strict paleo diet.

Troubleshooting

• Pancake Texture: If pancakes are not fluffy enough, consider separating egg whites and whipping them before adding them to the batter.
• Batter Thickness: Coconut flour can make batter thicker. Adjust the amount of liquid accordingly.
• Cooking Time: Paleo pancakes may take longer to cook than traditional pancakes.

Read also: Buttermilk Keto Pancakes

tags: #buttermilk #paleo