What You Will Need:
- 4 cups of fresh sheep’s milk
- 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- Cheesecloth
- Large mesh strainer
- Bowl
Step 1: Heating the Sheep’s Milk
In a large saucepan, pour the sheep’s milk and place it over medium heat. Slowly heat the milk until it reaches a temperature of 180°F (82°C). Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching.
Step 2: Adding the Lemon Juice
Once the milk has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the heat. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and salt to the milk. Stir gently for about 2 minutes to allow the lemon juice to curdle the milk.
Step 3: Straining the Curds
Place the cheesecloth over the large mesh strainer and position it over a bowl. Carefully pour the curdled milk mixture into the cheesecloth. Allow it to drain for about 1 hour to separate the curds from the whey.
Step 4: Shaping the Ricotta
After the curds have finished draining, gently squeeze the cheesecloth to remove any excess whey. Transfer the curds to a separate bowl and gently press them together to form a cohesive mass of ricotta.
Step 5: Enjoying Your Homemade Ricotta
Your homemade sheep’s milk ricotta is now ready to be enjoyed! You can use it in various recipes, such as lasagna, stuffed shells, or even spread it on a crusty baguette. Store the ricotta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
With this simple step-by-step guide, you can now make your own scrumptious sheep’s milk ricotta cheese at home. Give it a try and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills!