Kvas or Kvass
By
Lucy Selvaggio-Diaz
@threeovens
1
Kvass is an ancient beverage consumed in Russia and throughout the Slovic regions. It is low alcohol, similar to beer, and is much loved. It is also used when making a traditional Borscht. This recipe takes several days to complete.
Rating:
☆☆☆☆☆ 0 votes0
Serves:
10
Prep:
24 Hr
Cook:
1 Hr
Method:
Bake
Ingredients
-
1 lbdark rye bread, stale and cubed
-
3 qtwater
-
1/2 ozactive dry yeast
-
1/4 cwater, lukewarm (110 degrees f)
-
1 csugar
-
2 Tbspraisins
How to Make Kvas or Kvass
- Preheat oven to 200 degrees F and spread bread cubes on a baking sheet; bake until the bread is fairly dried out, about 1 hour.
- In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil, remove from heat, and stir in bread; cover with a clean towel and let rest in a cool, dark place for 8 to 10 hours.
- Pour the liquid through a fine meshed sieve, or strainer, and gently press bread to get the liquid (don't press too hard or your finished product will be cloudy).
- Mix the yeast with the warm water and a pinch of sugar; set aside and let proof 10 minutes. Stir into the strained liquid along with 1 cup sugar, stirring until sugar is dissolved; cover and let stand another 8 to 10 hours.
- Strain again and pour into a 1 gallon container; add raisins, cover tightly with plastic wrap and a rubber band. Let stand in a cool, dark place 4 to 5 days until the yeast sediment has settled to the bottom, leaving a clear liquid
- Carefully pour the clear liquid into a clean container or individual bottles, trying not to disturb the yeast sediment. Chill well.
- VARIATIONS: add 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves with the yeast and sugar. Or substitute 2 to 3 cups of berry juice for some of the water to give it a fruity flavor. It can also be served with the yeast sediment. This gives it a richer flavor and more vitamins.
About Kvas or Kvass
Course/Dish: Other Drinks
Main Ingredient: Alcohol
Regional Style: Eastern European
Other Tag: Heirloom
