Are you craving those fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits, but don't have milk on hand? Don't worry! This simple biscuit recipe proves you don't need milk to achieve that perfect, flaky texture. It’s a delicious and easy recipe perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a comforting side dish with your favorite soup or stew. This recipe is a fantastic example of how homemade cooking can be both quick and incredibly satisfying, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend mornings. Get ready to enjoy some seriously delightful biscuits!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup cold vegetable shortening (or lard, for a richer flavor)
- 3/4 cup cold water (or buttermilk substitute – see variations below)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Ensure everything is evenly distributed. This simple step is key to achieving a light and airy texture.
Step 2: Cut in the Shortening: Add the cold shortening to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the shortening from melting. The goal is to have pea-sized pieces of shortening throughout the dough.
Step 3: Add the Water: Gradually add the cold water, mixing gently with a fork until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix; a slightly shaggy dough is fine. Overmixing will result in tough biscuits.
Step 4: Knead and Shape: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough just a couple of times to bring it together. Pat or roll the dough to about 1-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or a knife to cut out biscuits.
Step 5: Bake: Place the biscuits onto an ungreased baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (232°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy: Let the biscuits cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with butter, jam, honey, or alongside your favorite savory dish.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Biscuits:
- Keep everything cold: Cold ingredients are essential for flaky biscuits. Use cold shortening, cold water, and work quickly to prevent the fat from melting.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough biscuits. Mix just until the dough comes together.
- Handle the dough gently: Avoid overworking the dough when kneading and shaping the biscuits.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Give the biscuits enough space to rise properly.
Variations:
- Buttermilk Substitute: For a richer flavor, substitute the water with 3/4 cup of buttermilk substitute. To make your own, add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 3/4 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Cheese Biscuits: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the dry ingredients for cheesy biscuits.
- Herb Biscuits: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of dried herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, into the dry ingredients for flavorful biscuits.
Nutritional Information (per biscuit, approximate):
Calories: ~150 Fat: ~8g Protein: ~3g Carbohydrates: ~20g
This recipe provides a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious, homemade biscuits without the need for milk. It's a healthy meal option, adaptable to various tastes, and a perfect addition to any meal. Perfect for those looking for easy recipes and quick dinner ideas! Enjoy!