Are you looking to add a delightful touch of Greek cuisine to your kitchen? Look no further! Feta cheese, a staple in Greek cuisine, is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make at home. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating your very own feta cheese, starting with the feta cheese making recipe.
Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 4 liters of whole milk
– 1 cup of lemon juice
– 1/2 cup of salt
– A large pot
– A stirring spoon
– A cheesecloth
– A large bowl
– A weight or a heavy object
Now that you have all the ingredients and equipment ready, let’s move on to the feta cheese making recipe.
1. Heat the milk: Begin by heating the 4 liters of whole milk in a large pot over medium heat. Stir the milk occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Once the milk reaches a temperature of about 90°F (32°C), remove it from the heat and let it cool down to 86°F (30°C). This is the ideal temperature for the next step.
2. Add lemon juice: Once the milk has cooled down to the desired temperature, gradually pour in the 1 cup of lemon juice while stirring continuously. The milk will start to curdle, which is a sign that the coagulation process has begun.
3. Let it sit: Let the mixture sit undisturbed for about 15-20 minutes. During this time, the curds will continue to form and separate from the whey. After the waiting period, you should see a solid mass of curds floating on the surface.
4. Cut the curds: Using a stirring spoon, gently cut the curds into smaller pieces. This will help release more whey and make the cheese more tender. Continue to stir for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the curds to release more whey.
5. Drain the whey: Line a large bowl with cheesecloth and place the curds inside. Gather the ends of the cheesecloth and tie them together to form a bag. Hang the bag over a sink or another container to allow the excess whey to drain out. Let it drain for about 15-20 minutes.
6. Salt the cheese: Once the cheese has drained sufficiently, remove it from the cheesecloth and place it in a clean bowl. Sprinkle the 1/2 cup of salt over the cheese and mix well to distribute the salt evenly.
7. Shape the cheese: Transfer the salted cheese to a container or a plastic wrap, and press it down to remove any remaining air pockets. Cover the container or plastic wrap with a lid or plastic wrap, and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. This will allow the flavors to develop and the cheese to firm up.
And there you have it! Your homemade feta cheese is ready to be enjoyed. You can use it in a variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, or as a garnish. Enjoy your freshly made feta cheese and the satisfaction of creating your own feta cheese making recipe!
