This process is gentle, rewarding, and perfect for anyone looking to simplify their kitchen routine while prioritizing wholesome ingredients.
What You Will Need
Natural Plain Yogurt: Use a high-quality yogurt with live active cultures.
Water: For the boiling base.
A Pinch of Sea Salt: To enhance the flavor naturally.
Cheesecloth or a Fine Mesh Strainer: To separate the curds from the whey.
How to Do It
The Boiling Step: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully whisk in your plain yogurt. You will notice the mixture begin to curdle almost immediately as the heat separates the solids from the liquid.
The Strain: Line a colander with a clean cheesecloth or a thin linen towel. Pour the mixture in.
The Wait: Let it sit and drain over a bowl for at least 4 to 6 hours (or overnight in the refrigerator). The longer it hangs, the firmer and “cheesier” it becomes.
The Result: You are left with a thick, spreadable cheese in the cloth and a yellowish liquid in the bowl called whey.
Why This Is Better Than Store-Bought
Pure Ingredients: No gums, thickeners, or artificial flavorings.
Nutrient Dense: It is packed with protein and calcium.
Zero Waste: Donโt toss the leftover whey! It is incredibly nutritious. You can use it as the liquid base for baking bread, cooking oatmeal, or even as a soak for grains to make them easier to digest.
Serving Suggestions
Once your cheese is firm, stir in a bit of dried herbs like oregano or thyme, or perhaps a little minced garlic. It is delightful spread on whole-grain toast or served alongside sliced cucumbersโperhaps even using a dash of that cucumber peel powder we discussed!
