Homemade Plain Yogurt: A Healthy Treat
Make Your Own Delicious and Healthy Plain Yogurt at Home
I have a habit of buying milk in two-pack bundles from the supermarket because they’re often a bit cheaper. However, now that the family members who used to drink it have moved on to their own lives, two packs of milk are quite a lot for just me. Yet, for some reason, buying just one pack doesn’t feel right either. So, I decided to make a generous batch of homemade plain yogurt using the milk I have.
Ingredients- 95g Greek Yogurt (as a starter)
- 800ml Milk (preferably 100% pure milk, avoid low-fat or calcium-fortified)
- 200ml Plain Yogurt (for subsequent batches)
- 800ml Milk (for the second batch)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
To start making your first batch of yogurt, use one 95g container of store-bought Greek yogurt as your starter culture. Place the entire container of Greek yogurt into the vessel of your yogurt maker.
Step 2
Pour milk over the Greek yogurt.
Step 3
Fill the container, leaving a little room at the top, with approximately 800ml of milk. It’s best to use 100% pure milk rather than low-fat or calcium-fortified varieties for a richer flavor.
Step 4
Close the lid of the container securely and shake it gently but thoroughly to ensure the milk and yogurt are well combined without any lumps.
Step 5
If you don’t have a yogurt maker, boil water in a pot until it’s vigorously bubbling. This hot water will be used to maintain the temperature for fermentation.
Step 6
Once the water is boiling rapidly, turn off the heat. Carefully pour the boiling water into your yogurt maker’s outer container (or a large bowl) up to the indicated red line.
Step 7
Now, carefully place the container with the milk and yogurt mixture into the hot water bath. Ensure the inner container is submerged in the hot water.
Step 8
Close the lid and let it sit at room temperature for at least 10 hours for fermentation. The exact time may vary depending on your yogurt maker or the ambient temperature. I usually make mine in the evening and put the finished yogurt in the refrigerator in the morning.
Step 9
Your homemade plain yogurt is now ready! It’s best enjoyed chilled, so place it in the refrigerator to cool down thoroughly.
Step 10
This delicious homemade plain yogurt is a perfect healthy snack or even a light meal. Try serving it with sliced bananas, tomatoes, or a sprinkle of granola for a delightful combination.
Step 11
The truly wonderful thing about homemade yogurt is that you can use your own creation to make the next batch! Your homemade plain yogurt becomes the starter for future yogurts.
Step 12
You’ll find about 200ml of yogurt remaining in the container from the previous batch. This leftover yogurt will serve as the starter for your next yogurt-making adventure.
Step 13
Pour fresh milk directly into the container with the remaining yogurt.
Step 14
I’ve added a bit more milk this time, around 800ml. Remember to leave some headspace in the container; don’t fill it all the way to the brim.
Step 15
Secure the lid and, just like before, gently shake the container to ensure the remaining yogurt and milk are evenly mixed without any clumps.
Step 16
Boil water in a pot again. This step prepares the warm water bath for fermentation.
Step 17
Once the water is boiling vigorously, carefully pour it into the yogurt maker’s outer container (or your prepared bowl) up to the red line.
Step 18
Place the container holding the milk and yogurt mixture into the hot water bath.
Step 19
Close the lid and allow it to ferment at room temperature for over 10 hours. Even with a larger amount of milk, it will ferment beautifully.
Step 20
The second batch of homemade plain yogurt is also a success! Like the first batch, chill it in the refrigerator before enjoying. Keep making and enjoying your healthy homemade yogurts!
