Introduction
Making cheese at home might sound like a complex task requiring special ingredients like rennet, lemon, or vinegar. However, it’s entirely possible to create a delightful homemade cheese using just a few basic ingredients from your kitchen. This simple recipe will guide you through making your own cheese without any of these traditional coagulants, offering a fresh, satisfying experience with minimal effort.
What You’ll Need
For this straightforward cheese recipe, you only need two primary ingredients:
- 1 gallon of whole milk (preferably fresh and not ultra-pasteurized)
- 1 cup of plain yogurt with live cultures
Additionally, you will need:
- A large pot
- A thermometer (optional but helpful)
- Cheese cloth or a fine mesh strainer
- A colander
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Guide
- Heat the Milk: Pour the milk into a large pot and slowly heat it on the stove. You want to bring the milk to just before boiling, around 185-190°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, heat until it’s steaming and starting to form small bubbles around the edge.
- Add Yogurt: Once the milk reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat and gently stir in the cup of yogurt. The live cultures in the yogurt act as a starter, replacing the need for rennet or acid.
- Let it Curdle: Cover the pot and set it aside in a warm place for 2-3 hours. During this time, the milk will begin to curdle and solidify, forming curds.
- Strain the Curds: Line a colander with cheesecloth and place it over a bowl. Pour the curdled milk into the colander, allowing the whey (the liquid) to drain away. You can save the whey for other recipes if you like.
- Press the Cheese: Gather the corners of the cheesecloth and gently squeeze to remove excess whey. You can press it under a small weight for a couple of hours if you prefer a firmer cheese.
- Season: Unwrap your cheese and season it with a bit of salt to enhance its flavor.
- Refrigerate and Enjoy: Place the cheese in a container and refrigerate. It will firm up a bit more and is then ready to enjoy!
Conclusion
This easy homemade cheese recipe without rennet, lemon, or vinegar is not only simple but also a delightful way to create a fresh, mild cheese perfect for various dishes or to enjoy on its own. Whether you spread it on bread, crumble it over salads, or use it in cooking, the satisfaction of making your own cheese is unmatched. Give it a try and tailor it with herbs or spices to your liking!