Yogurt Benefits

Yogurt contains live cultures of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, which support gut health. These probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of gut microflora, aiding digestion and boosting the immune system

yogurt Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups of milk (whole milk yields creamier yogurt, but you can use low-fat or non-fat milk if preferred)
  • 2-3 tablespoons of plain yogurt with live active cultures (this serves as a starter)

Equipment:

  • Saucepan
  • Food thermometer
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Clean jars or containers with lids
  • Insulated cooler or oven with the light on (for incubation)

Instructions:

  1. Heat the Milk: Pour the milk into a saucepan and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Heat the milk until it reaches about 180°F (82°C). Heating the milk helps kill any unwanted bacteria and denatures proteins for a thicker consistency.
  2. Cool the Milk: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the milk to cool down to about 110°F (43°C). You can speed up the cooling process by placing the saucepan in a cold water bath.
  3. Inoculate with Starter: Once the milk has cooled to the desired temperature, whisk in 2-3 tablespoons of plain yogurt with live active cultures. Ensure that the yogurt is well incorporated into the milk.
  4. Incubation: Pour the milk mixture into clean jars or containers with lids. Place the jars in an insulated cooler or oven with the light on to maintain warmth (ideally around 110°F or 43°C) for fermentation. Let the yogurt ferment for about 6-8 hours, or until it reaches your desired level of tanginess and thickness. The longer you incubate, the tangier the yogurt will become.
  5. Chill and Store: Once the yogurt has fermented to your liking, remove it from the incubation environment and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours to chill and firm up. Your homemade yogurt is now ready to enjoy!

Feel free to customize your homemade yogurt by adding flavorings such as honey, fruit preserves, vanilla extract, or fresh fruit before serving. You can also strain the yogurt through cheesecloth to make Greek yogurt for a thicker consistency. Experiment with different milk types and fermentation times to find the perfect balance of flavor and texture for your preferences. Enjoy your homemade yogurt as a nutritious snack or incorporate it into recipes for smoothies, parfaits, dips, and more!