Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cheese
Heat the Milk: Pour the 1.5 liters of milk into a large pot. Heat the milk over medium heat. Watch it closely to ensure it doesn’t boil over. You want to bring it just to a boil.
Add Yogurt: Once the milk is just about to boil, reduce the heat to low. Then, stir in the 240 grams of natural yogurt. Mix it thoroughly until completely combined.
Season: Sprinkle in the 1/2 teaspoon of salt, if using. This will enhance the flavor of your cheese.
Curdle the Milk: Allow the milk and yogurt mixture to cook on low heat for about 2-3 minutes. You’ll start to see curds forming and separating from the whey (the liquid part).
Strain the Curds: Place a large strainer over a bowl and line it with a clean cheesecloth or a thin kitchen towel. Carefully pour the mixture into the strainer to separate the curds from the whey.
Squeeze Out Excess Whey: Gather the corners of the cheesecloth or towel and gently squeeze out the excess whey. Be careful with the heat. You can wait a minute or two if it’s too hot to handle.
Cool and Serve: Open the cheesecloth and transfer your fresh cheese into a container. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. You can also refrigerate it if you prefer it chilled.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Cheese
And there you have it—a delicious, homemade cheese prepared in just about 6 minutes! This cheese is perfect for spreading on crackers, adding to salads, or simply enjoying on its own. Experiment with different additions like herbs and spices to customize your cheese to your liking. Enjoy the freshness and simplicity of your very own homemade cheese!
