Homemade Yogurt Cheese
What is Yogurt cheese ?
Yogurt cheese is a soft cheese made from draining the whey from yogurt. You will not find this cheese in the grocery stores but, it can be easily made at home.
Believed to have originated in Lebanon, yogurt cheese has a very smooth consistency much like cream cheese, but with the distinctive tangy taste of yogurt. It can be made from flavored yogurt, as well as plain. Besides being delicious, yogurt cheese is high in calcium and great for those who are lactose intolerant, as the yogurt-making process converts the lactose in the milk into lactic acid. Yogurt cheese is extremely versatile and can be used to add a nice zip of flavor to virtually any recipe in which cream cheese is used. Once you make it, you probably would not have any problems coming up with your own original serving ideas that suit your tastes.
Homemade yogurt cheese is going to make a hit at your next social gathering, therefore get started today!
Learn How to Make Labneh – Yogurt cheese
Labneh, also known as Yogurt Cheese, is probably the simplest of all cheeses to make. To begin with you will need a quart of yogurt. You can use plain or flavored yogurt, and either homemade or buy from the grocery store. However, if you buy yogurt for making labneh, make sure yogurt does not contain gelatin, as the gelatin will prevent the whey from draining.
Ingredients:
- 1 quart yogurt
- 1 tsp. Salt
Special supplies:
- cheesecloth
- strainer
- bowl
Directions:
Begin by shaking or stirring the yogurt until it is thoroughly mixed and smooth. Mix in 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt, to taste.
Next, place a strainer over a pot or bowl, and line with cheesecloth. Pour the yogurt into the cheesecloth.
Cover, and let the yogurt drain for 24 hours in the refrigerator.
Remove the cloth from the strainer and scrape the cheese to form a mound in the center of the cloth. Then, using the cloth for handling, form it into a ball or log and place onto a plate. Store in the refrigerator.
It does not get any easier than that!
How to Enjoy Yogurt Cheese (Labneh) ?
More suggestion:
- Traditional – Serve covered in olive oil with crushed mint and black olives. Eat on toasted pita.
- Breakfast toast – Spread on toast and top with a thin layer of jam.
- Crackers and cheese – Mix with fresh herbs and serve on crackers.
- As a spread – Mix with diced pimientos and black olives and spread in celery sticks, or use as a filling for finger sandwiches.
- As a dip – Combine with taco seasoning or ranch dressing mix to create a dip for vegetables or chips.
More Goat Cheese Recipes for Beginners. Check them out!
Click the link Lactic Cheese to view the details.