Country-style yogurt

Country-style yogurt - Delicious and simple recipe

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Fermentation time: 12 hours
Total time: 12 hours and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8

The history of yogurt is rooted in ancient traditions, being an essential ingredient in the diets of many cultures. It is a dairy product that not only improves digestion but also adds a touch of freshness to our meals. Homemade yogurt is often preferred for its authentic taste and simple, natural ingredients. In this recipe, we will explore how to make country-style yogurt using fresh cow's milk to achieve a creamy and flavorful result.

Necessary ingredients:
- 2 L fresh milk (ideally from a local source)
- 2 L boiled milk (preferably cow's milk)
- 0.5 L yogurt (from a previous batch or high-quality natural yogurt)

Necessary utensils:
- Clay pot (or an enamel pot)
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Strainer (optional, for removing whey)
- Sieve or cheesecloth for straining

Step by step for country-style yogurt:

1. Preparing the milk: Start by gathering the ingredients. Make sure the milk you use is fresh and of high quality. Cow's milk, even though it has a higher fat content, is healthier. If you can get milk from a local farm, you'll notice the difference in taste.

2. Boiling the milk: Pour the 2 L of fresh milk into an enamel pot and put it on the stove. It might be tempting to let the milk boil vigorously, but the secret is not to let it come to a full boil. Once it reaches a temperature of about 90 degrees Celsius, turn off the heat.

3. Mixing the milk: If you have yogurt from a previous batch, take 0.5 L and mix it with the fresh milk using a whisk. If you don't have yogurt, you can leave part of the milk at room temperature for about 6-8 hours to set.

4. Combining the milk: When the fresh milk has been heated, gradually pour it over the milk and yogurt mixture, gently mixing with the whisk to ensure the ingredients are well combined.

5. Fermentation: Place the pot near a heat source, but not too close to the fire. It is important to maintain a constant warm temperature for the yogurt to ferment properly. A good idea is to place it near the stove, where the temperature is higher.

6. Piercing and draining whey: After about 12 hours, the yogurt should be firm. Use a spoon to make a few holes in the yogurt so that the whey can drain. Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the refrigerator for a few hours.

7. Straining whey: After the yogurt has cooled, gently tilt the pot and use a strainer or a cheesecloth to remove the whey. Then, gently mix with the wooden spoon until you achieve a smooth consistency.

8. Serving: Your homemade yogurt is now ready to be enjoyed! You can serve it plain, with a bit of honey, fresh fruits, or nuts, or use it as a base for various sauces and dressings.

Practical tips:
- If you prefer a thicker yogurt, you can let the whey drain for a longer time.
- Experiment with different types of milk, such as goat's milk or buffalo milk, for varied flavors.
- I recommend maintaining hygiene throughout the process to avoid contaminating the milk with unwanted bacteria.

Frequently asked questions:
- Why should I use homemade milk for yogurt? Homemade milk has a fresher taste and is free from chemical additives, making it ideal for yogurt preparation.
- Can I use store-bought yogurt? Yes, but make sure it is a natural yogurt without additives for the best results.
- How long can homemade yogurt be stored? Typically, homemade yogurt can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
A serving of homemade yogurt (about 150 g) has around 100 calories. It is rich in protein, calcium, and probiotics, which are excellent for digestion and bone health.

Serving suggestions:
This yogurt pairs perfectly with breakfast, alongside granola or fruits. It can also be used as a base for smoothies or even as an ingredient in various culinary dishes, such as salad dressings.

By experimenting with this country-style yogurt recipe, not only will you create a delicious product, but you will also return to the roots of traditional cooking while maintaining the health and quality of the ingredients. Savor each spoonful and enjoy the unmistakable flavor of homemade yogurt!