Source: Ekaterina, AdobeStockHomemade kefir cheese is not only delicious and healthy, but also incredibly interesting. The finished product is in no way inferior to store-bought cheese. We're sharing 10 simple recipes you should definitely try!
1. Cream Cheese from Frozen Kefir
Source: uzbek-culinar.ruIt's best to use kefir with a higher fat content – 3% or more.
You will need: 1 liter of kefir with 3.2% fat.
Preparation: Completely freeze the kefir in any suitable bag, then let it thaw for 5-6 hours at room temperature. Line a colander with several layers of cheesecloth, place it in a large bowl, and pour the kefir into it.
Leave it for 2 hours to allow the whey to drain. Then, fold the edges of the cheesecloth and press down with a small weight. Refrigerate overnight. After 8-10 hours, you will have delicate cream cheese and separate whey.
2. Kefir Cheese with Egg and Butter
Source: uaeu.topA very interesting cheese recipe for salads and various appetizers.
You will need: 2 liters of full-fat kefir, 0.5 tsp baking soda, 1 egg, 100g butter, 1 tsp salt.
Preparation: Pour the kefir into a saucepan and place it over a double boiler. Cook for about 40 minutes until the whey separates. Line a colander with 3 layers of cheesecloth, pour the kefir into it, squeeze, and let it drain for half an hour.
Mix the remaining mass with softened butter and the other ingredients, and place it back over the double boiler. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring, until the mixture resembles melted cheese. Transfer the mixture to a buttered mold and refrigerate for a couple of hours.
8 Ways to Make Goat Cheese at Home
3. Kefir Cheese with Herbs
Source: nn.ruInstead of dill, you can try adding different herbs and greens to your taste.
You will need: 2 liters of 3.2% kefir, 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp baking soda, 1 egg, 3 sprigs of dill, 50g butter.
Preparation: Pour the kefir into a saucepan and heat over medium heat until the whey separates. Line a colander with 3 layers of cheesecloth and place the curd mass into it. Hang it to allow the remaining whey to drain.
Mix the prepared cheese with salt, baking soda, and egg. Place it over a double boiler and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring. Add the butter and finely chopped dill, and stir again until the butter melts. Transfer the mixture to a buttered mold and refrigerate for a couple of hours.
4. Kefir and Milk Cheese
Source: gp5-sochi.ruDepending on the temperature and duration of processing, you can vary the consistency of the finished cheese.
You will need: 600 ml kefir, 600 ml milk, 4 eggs, 1 tsp salt.
Preparation: Mix kefir with milk, add salt, place on the stove, and heat over medium heat. Lightly whisk the eggs with a fork and add them to the mixture, stirring constantly. Continue stirring and cook the mixture until the whey separates.
Transfer the curd mass to a colander lined with cheesecloth. Hang it to allow the whey to continue draining, then refrigerate the cheese overnight under a press. The longer it is stored this way, the firmer it will become.
How to Make Chips at Home: 9 Easy Recipes
5. Homemade Philadelphia Cheese from Kefir
Source: babyblog.ruOptionally, add some other spices and aromatic herbs.
You will need: 1 liter of full-fat kefir, 1 tsp sea salt, 1 pinch of mixed peppers.
Preparation: Mix kefir with salt and pepper, pour into a bag, and freeze until ice crystals appear. Place the kefir in a colander lined with several layers of cheesecloth.
Fold the edges, cover with a plate, and place a 0.5-liter jar of water on top. Leave the mixture at room temperature until the whey drains, then squeeze it a little more by hand and transfer the cheese to a storage container.
6. Homemade Ricotta from Kefir
Source: legkovmeste.ruA pleasant, sweetish cheese that is ideal for making desserts.
You will need: 1 liter of full-fat kefir, 1 liter of full-fat milk, 1 tsp sugar and salt each, 1 egg, 1 tsp lemon juice.
Preparation: Heat the milk almost to boiling, add salt and sugar, then pour in the warm kefir. Mix everything together and continue heating over medium heat until it separates into curd flakes and whey. Strain the mixture through a colander lined with 2-3 layers of cheesecloth.
Hang the mixture for half an hour to allow the whey to drain completely. Whisk the egg with lemon juice and mix them with the cheese mass. Transfer everything to a container, leave overnight, and then refrigerate for another 3-5 hours.
20 Awesome Homemade Beer Snacks
7. Kefir and Sour Cream Cheese
Source: youtube.comThe result is an incredibly delicate cream cheese for sandwiches and baking.
You will need: 1 liter of full-fat kefir, 1 liter of full-fat sour cream.
Preparation: Mix kefir with sour cream until smooth. Line a colander with 6-8 layers of cheesecloth and pour the mixture into it. Fold the edges of the cheesecloth and place the mixture under a press of 500g or slightly more. Refrigerate for 2 days or more, periodically draining the whey. When the whey completely stops draining, the cheese is ready!
8. Homemade Feta Cheese from Kefir
Source: svoimi-rukami2.ruIt's important to adhere to the ingredient proportions and cooking time here.
You will need: 1.7-2 liters of 2.5% kefir, 2 tbsp salt.
Preparation: In a saucepan, mix kefir with salt, place over low heat, and cook briefly, stirring. When the whey separates, remove the saucepan from the heat. Line a colander with two layers of cheesecloth. Spoon the curd mass onto it and let the liquid drain. Fold the edges of the cheesecloth and refrigerate the cheese overnight under a light press.
How to Salt Trout: 12 Delicious Homemade Recipes
9. Adyghe Cheese from Kefir and Milk
Source: fishki.netA delicate creamy taste with light salty notes – simply perfect.
You will need: 1 liter of 3.2% aged kefir, 3 liters of milk, 3 tsp salt.
Preparation: Pour the kefir into a saucepan and heat until the whey separates. Use the separated curd mass as desired, and let the whey stand for 2 days at room temperature.
Bring the milk to a boil, pour in the whey, and cook for 8 minutes over medium heat. Line a colander with several layers of cheesecloth and strain the separated mass through it. Add salt to the cheese curds in the colander and mix. Leave the mixture under a press for 24 hours in the refrigerator.
10. Kefir Cheese with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Source: kitcheners.ruAn ideal preparation to immediately add this cheese to a salad or main dish.
You will need: 2 liters of kefir, 150 ml olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp chopped basil, 1 handful of sun-dried tomatoes.
Preparation: Place the kefir in the freezer overnight, then transfer it to a colander lined with 2-3 layers of cheesecloth. Let it thaw and drain there. Gather the ends of the cheesecloth and hang the mixture to continue draining. Once the whey has completely separated, form small balls from the cheese mass using a small spoon.
Separately, mix olive oil, chopped basil, garlic, and sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Mix the dressing, add the cheese balls to it, and let them infuse for a couple of hours in the refrigerator.