Why Not Dust Your Fruits and Vegetables With Buttermilk Powder?
Unless you like to top your cornbread with buttermilk (a classic Southern treat) or don’t like to do a lot of baking (or frying chicken), you probably don’t keep liquid buttermilk in your refrigerator. Luckily, you can buy buttermilk powder and have access to its creamy, tangy flavor without worrying about spoilage.
You can rehydrate the powder to make a liquid buttermilk, or use it as a dry brine , vinaigrette enhancer , or dry rub to add a tart, creamy flavor to fruits and vegetables without adding extra moisture.
Sprinkle the buttermilk powder over the vegetables.
A last-minute squeeze of lemon juice, vinegar, or even pickle juice can brighten hearty, savory dishes or cut the sweetness of cloying desserts (well, maybe not the pickle juice). You can do the same with buttermilk powder; it is especially good on fruits and vegetables, raw or cooked.
If you still have tomatoes growing in your garden, take one, chop it up and sprinkle the slices well with buttermilk powder and a few pinches of flaky salt. The salt and buttermilk will draw out the tomato juice and mix with it to create a slightly creamy, slightly sour, umami-rich “dressing” that barely coats the tomatoes and doesn’t dare overwhelm them. This also works for cucumbers or any other food you might find on a crudité platter.
If your garden is out of season or you’re not feeling raw, you can do the same with roasted vegetables: Roast carrots, broccoli, potatoes, or any root vegetable, then repeat the same song and dance above. finish off the roasted, toasted vegetables with a generous dusting of buttermilk and crunchy salt.
Vegetables aren’t necessarily all the fun. You might as well sprinkle dehydrated buttermilk on a juicy peach (fresh or canned), a plate of stewed apples, or a bunch of sweet berries. The powder will add a touch of creaminess and flavor, highlighting the natural sweetness of the fruit.
Make your own spicy “fun sauce”
Some people prefer to take the plunge rather than dust, and that’s okay. You can use powdered buttermilk to make a tangy, creamy, and savory ” fun sauce ” for fresh vegetables. Take your favorite seasoning blend and mix it with buttermilk powder in equal amounts, then add a pinch of MSG and/or white pepper. I’m currently obsessed with Trader Joe’s Seasoning in Brine mix; when mixed with buttermilk powder (and a little MSG), it becomes pickling ranch powder, and it’s worth celebrating.
Pickled Ranch Powder
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon buttermilk powder
- 1 tablespoon Trader Joe’s Pickle Seasoning
- A few pinches of monosodium glutamate
- Large pinch of white pepper
Mix everything in a small bowl. Top with cucumbers, tomatoes, or any veggies you find on a vegetable platter, or serve on the side for a (fun) dip.