buttermilk

word

Definition

A slightly sour, creamy liquid left after churning butter from cream. It is used in baking, cooking, and sometimes as a drink.

Usage & Nuances

Common in American and European recipes, especially for pancakes, biscuits, and fried chicken. Fresh buttermilk is different from the cultured buttermilk often sold in stores. Don't confuse with plain milk or yogurt; it has a tangy flavor.

Example Sentences

We need buttermilk for the pancake recipe.

basic

Buttermilk is white and a little sour.

basic

My grandmother used to drink fresh buttermilk.

basic

If you don’t have buttermilk, add a bit of lemon juice to regular milk as a substitute.

natural

Southern fried chicken is extra tasty when soaked in buttermilk before cooking.

natural

My favorite biscuits are made with lots of buttermilk for softness and flavor.

natural