What You’ll Need
- A saucepan
- A food thermometer
- A glass jar or containers with lids
- A warm place to incubate the yogurt (e.g., an oven, a cooler)
- A towel or blanket to insulate the yogurt while incubating
- Ingredients: milk (any type), yogurt starter culture or store-bought yogurt with live cultures
Step 1: Heat the Milk
Pour the desired amount of milk into a saucepan and heat it over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching. Heat the milk until it reaches a temperature of 180°F (82°C) using a food thermometer. This helps kill any unwanted bacteria and ensures a thick consistency in the end product.
Step 2: Cool the Milk
Allow the milk to cool down to around 110°F (43°C) before proceeding. This step is important because if the milk is too hot, it can kill the friendly bacteria in the yogurt starter culture, preventing fermentation.
Step 3: Add the Starter Culture
Add the yogurt starter culture or some store-bought yogurt with live cultures to the cooled milk. Use about 2 tablespoons of starter culture or 1/4 cup of yogurt per quart (liter) of milk. Whisk gently to distribute the culture evenly.
Step 4: Incubate the Yogurt
Pour the milk and starter culture mixture into the glass jar or containers. Close the lids tightly. Place the jar(s) in a warm place to incubate for 6 to 12 hours. The longer you incubate, the tangier and thicker the yogurt will be. An oven with the light turned on or a cooler with warm water can be great options for maintaining a consistent temperature during incubation.
Step 5: Insulate and Chill the Yogurt
Wrap a towel or blanket around the jar(s) to insulate them while they incubate. This helps maintain the optimal temperature for fermentation. Once the incubation time is up, transfer the yogurt to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours. Chilling helps set the yogurt and develop its characteristic texture.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Homemade Yogurt!
Your homemade yogurt is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it as is, or add your favorite fruits, nuts, or granola for extra flavor and crunch. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Making homemade yogurt without a yogurt maker is a fantastic way to take control of what you eat while saving money. With just a few simple steps, you can create delicious, creamy yogurt that rivals store-bought varieties. So grab your saucepan and give it a try – you’ll be amazed at how easy and rewarding the process is!