Making your own mozzarella cheese at home is simpler than you might think. With just four ingredients, you can create delicious, fresh mozzarella cheese. Here’s how to do it.

Ingredients:

• 2 liters of whole milk
• 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 cup of water

Step-by-Step Recipe:

1. Prepare the Milk

Pour the 2 liters of whole milk into a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Heat the milk over medium heat until it reaches 32°C (90°F). Use a thermometer to check the temperature.

2. Dissolve the Rennet

While the milk is heating, dissolve 2 teaspoons of lemon juice in 1/4 cup of water. Stir well to ensure the rennet is fully dissolved.

3. Add the Rennet Solution

Once the milk reaches 32°C (90°F), remove it from the heat. Add the rennet solution to the milk and stir gently for about 30 seconds. Cover the pot and let it sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes until the curd forms. The curd should be firm and pull away from the sides of the pot.

4. Cut the Curds

Using a long knife, cut the curds into small cubes (about 1 cm or 1/2 inch). Make sure to cut all the way to the bottom of the pot. Let the curds rest for 5 minutes.

5. Heat the Curds

Place the pot back on the stove and heat the curds to 41°C (105°F), stirring gently to avoid breaking the curds. Maintain this temperature for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Drain the Whey

Remove the pot from the heat and let the curds settle at the bottom. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the curds to a colander lined with cheesecloth. Allow the whey to drain away.

7. Stretch the Curds

Heat a pot of water to 85°C (185°F). Submerge the curds in the hot water for a few seconds to soften them. Use your hands or a spoon to stretch and knead the curds until they become smooth and elastic. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and continue kneading until the salt is evenly distributed.

8. Shape the Mozzarella

Once the curds are smooth and stretchy, shape them into balls. Place the mozzarella balls in a bowl of cold water to set their shape and cool down.

Final Thoughts

Making homemade mozzarella cheese with just four ingredients is a fun and rewarding process. Enjoy your fresh mozzarella in salads, on pizzas, or simply on its own. Happy cheese making!