Amasi (also known as maas) is a well-loved product that forms part of many cultures within South-Africa. Our ancestors traditionally prepared this fermented drink by storing unpasteurised cow’s milk in a calabash or hide sack. This allowed the milk to ferment. Today amasi is made by adding live cultures to full-cream pasteurised cow’s milk. These live cultures help the fermentation process along, which gives amasi its distinct sour taste and additional health effects.
This Mzansi culinary treasure is absolutely great for baking! Amasi is a perfect substitute if you can’t find buttermilk near you. Here is a fabulous, quick and easy Rediscover Dairy scone recipe you can try:
You will need:
- 250 ml amasi (maas) or buttermilk
- 1 cup self-raising flour
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- Some extra goodies you can add to the batter:
- Chopped spring onions (or chives) topped with feta
- Melted butter and a little honey which makes a pouring sauce for the top
Directions:
1. Pre-heat oven to 180°C. Spray and Cook a muffin tin.
2. Add all the ingredients to a big bowl and mix until incorporated. Do not overmix, as it could result in dense scones.
3. Spoon the mixture into your muffin pan. Pro-Tip: use an ice-cream scoop to get equal sized scones.
4. Bake until golden brown 15–20 min, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Take out and rest on a wire rack. Serve and enjoy!
The Rediscover Dairy team loves this recipe because it is quick and easy to prepare and suitable for many occasions from breakfast, snacks, quick dinner served with cheese. It’s made with amasi, but you can use plain yoghurt or milk
Amasi is good for the whole family:
- the live cultures in amasi help to build a strong digestive system and keep the immune system strong
- like other fermented milk products, amasi is generally tolerated well by people who are lactose intolerant.
- it is also a good meal replacement when your household’s meat stores are low.
For better health, make amasi part of your three servings of dairy a day!
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