GreenTricks

Cheese Without Rennet – Simple 4 Ingredient Recipe

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Cheese lovers, rejoice! If you’ve always wanted to make cheese at home but were daunted by the idea of needing hard-to-find ingredients like rennet, this recipe is for you. With just four everyday ingredients and 30 minutes of your time, you can whip up a batch of fresh, delicious cheese that’s perfect for spreading on crackers, stirring into pastas, or just enjoying on its own. Let’s dive into the details of this simple cheese-making process.

Ingredients:

  1. 1 liter of whole milk (preferably organic)

  2. Juice of 1 large lemon

  3. 1 teaspoon of salt

  4. Herbs or spices for flavor (optional, like chopped chives or a pinch of pepper)

Instructions:

  1. Heat the Milk: Pour the milk into a large pot and slowly heat it on the stove. You want to bring the milk to a near-boil, around 185-190°F (85-88°C). Keep an eye on the milk so it doesn’t burn or boil over.

  2. Add Lemon Juice: Once your milk is hot, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice. You’ll see the milk start to curdle as the acid in the lemon juice works its magic. This is where your cheese begins to form!

  3. Let it Sit: Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps the curds (solid parts) separate from the whey (liquid part).

  4. Strain the Curds: Line a colander with a cheesecloth or a clean, fine-weaved dish towel. Pour the curdled milk through the lined colander. The cloth will catch the curds while allowing the whey to drain away.

  5. Season: Once the curds have drained, sprinkle salt over them. If you’re using herbs or spices, add them now. Mix gently to distribute the seasoning throughout the cheese.

  6. Press the Cheese: Gather the corners of the cheesecloth or towel and twist to press the curds together. You can press as much liquid out as you like – the more you press, the firmer your cheese will be.

  7. Chill and Serve: Transfer the cheese from the cloth to a container and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This helps the cheese set and develop flavor.

That’s it! In less than an hour, you’ve made your own fresh cheese without rennet. This cheese can be a delightful addition to your meals or a homemade treat to impress your friends and family. Enjoy your creation with a light salad, spread on toast, or as part of a vibrant cheese platter. Bon appétit!