If you enjoy natural, homemade foods, this simple cheese recipe will truly delight you. It uses only clean, wholesome ingredients and a gentle process that has been passed down through generations. No vinegar, no citric acid — just pure milk and a natural coagulant that keeps everything mild, creamy, and delicious.
1. Why This Method Works
Fresh cheese doesn’t need anything harsh or acidic. All you need is:
- Milk
- A natural coagulant such as lemon juice, plain yogurt, or kefir
These help the milk separate softly, resulting in tender, flavorful cheese with a beautiful texture. From 2 liters of milk, you can surprisingly get up to 1 kilogram of cheese, depending on the fat content and how firmly you press it.
2. Ingredients You Need
- 2 liters whole milk (the fresher, the better)
- 200 g plain yogurt or the juice of 1 lemon
- A pinch of salt (optional)
No vinegar. No citric acid. Only gentle, natural ingredients.
3. How to Make the Cheese
- Warm the milk
Pour the milk into a pot and heat it on low–medium until it becomes hot but not boiling. You should see light steam and tiny bubbles on the sides. - Add the natural coagulant
- If using yogurt, whisk it separately, then pour it slowly into the hot milk.
- If using lemon juice, add it gradually while stirring.
- Let it separate
After 1–2 minutes, the milk will gently split into curds (the white part) and whey (the yellowish liquid). - Strain it
Pour the mixture through a colander lined with cheesecloth. Let it drain for 10–15 minutes. - Press the cheese
For firmer cheese, gather the cloth and place a weight on top for 1–2 hours. For softer cheese, simply let it drain without pressure. - Optional: Add a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
4. How to Enjoy It
Your homemade cheese is mild, creamy, and perfect for:
- Spreading on whole-grain bread
- Mixing with fresh herbs
- Adding to salads
- Using in healthy breakfasts or light dinners
Final Thought
You don’t need special ingredients or complicated tools to make delicious fresh cheese at home. With just milk and a natural coagulant, you get a wholesome, nutritious product — and the satisfaction of making it yourself. Give it a try and enjoy the fresh, clean taste!
