Ingredients with Measurements:
- 9 lbs. Pilsner malt
- 1 lb. Munich malt
- 1 oz. Hallertau Mittelfrüh hops (60 min.)
- 1 oz. Hallertau Mittelfrüh hops (10 min.)
- 1 packet of lager yeast
- 5 gallons of water
Special equipment needed:
- Mash tun
- Boil kettle
- Fermentation vessel
- Airlock
- Thermometer
- Hydrometer
- Bottling equipment
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat 3 gallons of water in a large pot to 170°F.
2. Add the Pilsner and Munich malt to the mash tun and pour the hot water over it. Stir well and let it sit for 60 minutes.
3. After 60 minutes, drain the wort into the boil kettle.
4. Bring the wort to a boil and add 1 oz. of Hallertau Mittelfrüh hops. Boil for 50 minutes.
5. Add another 1 oz. of Hallertau Mittelfrüh hops and boil for another 10 minutes.
6. Cool the wort to 50°F and transfer it to a fermentation vessel.
7. Add the lager yeast and let it ferment for 2-3 weeks at 50°F.
8. After fermentation is complete, bottle the beer and let it carbonate for 2-3 weeks.
- Time:
Preparation time: 4 hours
- Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
- Mash temperature: 170°F
- Boil temperature: 212°F
- Fermentation temperature: 50°F
Serving size:
- Makes 5 gallons of beer
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 150
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 0g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pilsner malt can be substituted with 2-row malt
- Munich malt can be substituted with Vienna malt
- Hallertau Mittelfrüh hops can be substituted with Saaz hops
Variations:
- Add a small amount of crystal malt for a slightly sweeter flavor
- Use a different type of lager yeast for a different flavor profile
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cool the wort to the correct temperature before adding the yeast to avoid killing it
- Use a hydrometer to measure the specific gravity of the beer to determine when fermentation is complete
- Store the beer in a cool, dark place to prevent skunking
Storage instructions:
- Store the beer in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months
Reheating instructions:
- N/A
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a tall, narrow glass to showcase the beer's golden color
Garnishes:
- N/A
Pairings:
- German sausages
- Soft pretzels
- Sauerkraut
Suggested side dishes:
- German potato salad
- Red cabbage slaw
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the beer doesn't carbonate, check that there is enough sugar in the bottles and that they are stored at the correct temperature
- If the beer is too bitter, reduce the amount of hops used in the recipe
Food safety advice:
- Make sure all equipment is properly sanitized before use to prevent contamination
Food history:
- Helles lager was first brewed in Munich in the late 19th century as a response to the popularity of Pilsner beer in Bohemia
Flavor profiles:
- Helles lager is a light, crisp beer with a slightly sweet malt flavor and a subtle hop bitterness
Serving suggestions:
- Serve cold, straight from the fridge
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: German
Taste: Malty, Biscuity, Crisp, Balanced, Refreshing