During the summer heat, when air temperatures reach peak values, nothing beats a glass of cold, carbonated drink. Traditional bread kvass requires time for fermentation — from several hours to a day. However, in the conditions of the modern pace of life and high temperatures, there is an alternative: a quick recipe for homemade kvass based on chicory, which is prepared in just three hours. This method, popularized by chef Igor Shpigunov and published in the Styler project (RBC-Ukraine), allows you to get a rich, refreshing drink without a long wait.
Quick kvass recipe: ingredients and technology
To prepare three liters of homemade kvass, you will need simple and accessible ingredients: warm water, chicory, sugar, citric acid, and dry yeast. The process begins with dissolving chicory and sugar in warm water — this creates the base of the drink, imitating the taste of traditional bread kvass. Then citric acid and dry yeast are added, which trigger the process of light fermentation and gas formation.
After thorough mixing, the mixture is filtered through gauze to remove possible sediments and ensure an ideal texture. The purified liquid is poured into plastic or glass bottles, tightly closed with lids, and left at room temperature for exactly three hours. After this time, the drink is ready to drink — it can be immediately cooled in the refrigerator for maximum refreshing effect.
Why chicory? Advantages and features
Chicory is not just a coffee substitute, but also an excellent ingredient for creating drinks with a characteristic taste reminiscent of bread kvass. It contains inulin, a natural prebiotic that helps improve digestion. In addition, chicory gives the drink a dark shade and a rich aroma, which makes it visually and taste-wise close to traditional kvass. Unlike bread kvass, which requires a starter and time for fermentation, the chicory option allows you to get the result faster and with less risk of souring.
Contradictory data: preparation time and type of fermentation
According to the Styler source, kvass based on chicory is prepared in three hours. However, other sources, such as Pravda.ru and KP.ru, indicate that classic bread kvass requires from 12 to 16 hours for full fermentation. The difference is explained by the type of yeast used and the preparation conditions. The Styler recipe uses dry yeast, which activates faster than natural starter. This allows reducing the preparation time, but can also affect the depth of taste and the level of carbonation. Thus, although the drink is indeed prepared faster, it is not a complete analogue of traditional kvass in terms of technology and taste profile.
Safety and storage: what is important to know
Despite the simplicity of the recipe, it is important to follow hygiene and storage rules. Using clean dishes, sterilized bottles, and fresh ingredients reduces the risk of developing pathogenic microorganisms. The finished drink should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 24–48 hours. If an unpleasant odor, cloudiness, or excessive pressure in the bottle appears, it is better not to consume the drink. Also, it is worth considering that the use of dry yeast can lead to more intense gas formation, so it is not recommended to close the bottles too tightly or leave them in the sun.
Alternatives and variations: how to diversify the recipe
The recipe based on chicory can be adapted to individual preferences. For example, you can add mint, lemon balm, or lemon zest for aroma. Some cooks recommend using honey instead of sugar for a softer taste. It is also possible to combine chicory with barley malt to enhance the bread notes. It is important to remember that any changes can affect the preparation time and the taste of the final product. Experiments with ingredients allow you to create a unique drink that will meet personal preferences and needs.
