This recipe guides you through making creamy and delicious homemade yogurt using just two simple ingredients. It’s a healthy and cost-effective alternative to store-bought yogurt, and you can customize it with your favorite flavors and toppings.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups (1 liter) milk (whole, 2%, or skim)
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt with live and active cultures (starter)
Instructions:
- Heat the Milk: Pour the milk into a saucepan and heat it over medium heat until it reaches 180°F (82°C). This step helps to pasteurize the milk and denature the proteins, resulting in a thicker yogurt. Use a thermometer to check the temperature.
- Cool the Milk: Remove the milk from the heat and let it cool down to 110-115°F (43-46°C). This is the optimal temperature for the live cultures in the yogurt starter to thrive.
- Add Yogurt Starter: In a small bowl, take a few tablespoons of the cooled milk and mix it with the yogurt starter until smooth. This helps to temper the starter and prevent it from curdling when added to the warm milk.
- Combine Milk and Starter: Pour the tempered starter mixture into the rest of the cooled milk and gently stir until well combined.
- Incubate: Pour the milk mixture into clean jars or containers. Cover them with lids or plastic wrap.
- Maintain Warm Temperature: Place the jars in a warm place to incubate for 4-8 hours, or until the yogurt has set. You can use one of the following methods:
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 100°F (38°C) for a few minutes, then turn it off. Place the covered jars in the oven and let them sit for 4-8 hours.
- Yogurt Maker: If you have a yogurt maker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Instant Pot: Use the yogurt setting on your Instant Pot.
- Insulated Cooler: Place the covered jars in an insulated cooler and fill it with warm water (110-115°F or 43-46°C). Close the lid and let it sit for 4-8 hours.
- Warm Location: If the weather is warm, you can simply place the covered jars in a warm spot in your kitchen.
- Check for Set: After 4 hours, check the yogurt for set by gently tilting a jar. If it’s set, it will hold its shape. If not, continue to incubate for another 1-4 hours.
- Chill: Once the yogurt has set, transfer the jars to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours before serving. This will help to thicken the yogurt and enhance its flavor.
- Serve: Enjoy your homemade yogurt plain or with your favorite toppings, such as fruits, honey, granola, or nuts.
Tips and Notes:
- Milk Choice: Whole milk will result in a richer and creamier yogurt. Skim milk will produce a lighter yogurt.
- Yogurt Starter: Ensure that the yogurt starter contains live and active cultures. Check the label for terms like “live cultures” or “active cultures.”
- Incubation Time: The incubation time can vary depending on the temperature and the type of starter used.
- Flavor Variations: You can add flavors like vanilla extract, fruit puree, or honey after the yogurt has set.
- Storage: Store homemade yogurt in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks.