Feta cheese is a beloved staple in many kitchens, adding a tangy, creamy touch to salads, sandwiches, and more. But did you know you can make your own feta cheese at home in just 5 minutes using only lemon and milk? Not only is it incredibly easy, but it’s also 4.5 times cheaper than buying it from the store. Let’s dive into this simple, cost-effective recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 liter of whole milk (preferably fresh)
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 2-3 tablespoons)
Instructions:
- Heat the Milk: Pour the milk into a large pot and heat it over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Heat the milk until it’s just about to boil—tiny bubbles should start forming around the edges, but don’t let it boil.
- Add the Lemon Juice: Once the milk is hot, remove it from the heat and immediately add the lemon juice. Stir gently for a few seconds, then let the mixture sit undisturbed for about 2 minutes. You’ll notice the milk begins to curdle as the lemon juice causes the curds to separate from the whey.
- Strain the Curds: Line a colander with a clean cheesecloth or muslin cloth and place it over a bowl to catch the whey. Pour the curdled milk into the colander to separate the curds from the liquid whey.
- Shape the Cheese: Gather the corners of the cheesecloth and gently squeeze out any excess whey. For a firmer texture, you can press the cheese by placing a small weight on top of the wrapped curds. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
- Unwrap and Enjoy: After pressing, unwrap the cheese from the cloth. You now have a soft, fresh feta cheese ready to be crumbled over your favorite dishes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: This homemade feta cheese takes only 5 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute meals or snacks.
- Cost-Effective: By making your own feta cheese, you can save money—this method is 4.5 times cheaper than buying feta from the store.
- Natural Ingredients: With just milk and lemon, you’re avoiding any unnecessary additives or preservatives often found in store-bought cheese.
- Versatile: Use this homemade feta in salads, wraps, or as a topping for roasted vegetables. The possibilities are endless!
Tips for the Best Homemade Feta:
- Use Fresh Milk: Whole milk works best for this recipe, but you can also experiment with different types of milk to find your favorite flavor and texture.
- Customize Your Cheese: If you like, you can add herbs like thyme or oregano to the curds before pressing for a flavored feta cheese.
- Store Properly: Keep your homemade feta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can last up to a week.
Making your own feta cheese at home is not only fun and rewarding but also a great way to enjoy fresh, delicious cheese at a fraction of the cost. Give it a try, and you might never go back to store-bought feta again!
