Homemade yogurt is surprisingly easy and keeps in the refrigerator for about a month. It’s a simple as heating milk, adding a starter, cooking the yogurt, then straining. The additional step of straining out as much of the whey as possible will result in a rich and creamy Greek yogurt (skip this step and you have regular yogurt). Keep it plain or add your favorite flavorings, such as jam or honey. For savory versions – which is excellent on baked potatoes or with lamb meatballs – add a blend of freshly chopped herbs, a pinch of salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Tip: save at least 3 tablespoons of your finished yogurt to use as a starter for your next batch.
Sous Vide Greek Yogurt
4 servings
Set the Anova Sous Vide Precision Cooker to 115° F / 46° C
1 quart whole goat’s or cow’s milk, preferably organic
3 tablespoons full fat organic yogurt (with live active cultures) or yogurt starter
Additional equipment: cheesecloth, strainer, and a bowl that the strainer can fit on.
Directions
In a large saucepan heat milk until it reaches 185° F / 85° C on a digital or candy thermometer.
Once the milk has reached temperature, remove from heat and allow to cool to 100°-110° F (39° – 43° C). To accelerate the cooling process, place jar of yogurt in a bath of cool water with ice. Keep an eye on the thermometer, as you do not want the temperature to fall below 100° F / 39° C.
Whisk the room temperature plain yogurt (or starter) with the milk then seal the jar tightly.
Place in the water bath and set the time for 24 hours. Keep an eye on the water level to ensure the jar remains submerged.
After 24 hours, remove jar from water.
Carefully pour the yogurt into a strainer lined with a double layer of cheesecloth.
Place in the refrigerator until much of the whey is drained and the yogurt is thick, at least 4 hours.
Spoon into a quart size container or four individual jars (~1 cup each) and store in the refrigerator for up to one month.
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