How to make low fat yogurt with probiotics

 

Making your own low-fat yogurt with probiotics at home is a simple and rewarding process. Not only does it save money, but it also allows you to control the ingredients and ensure the presence of beneficial probiotics. Follow these steps to create delicious, healthy yogurt right in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 quart (4 cups) of low-fat milk: Choose milk with 1% or 2% fat content for low fat yogurt. Skim milk can also be used, but the yogurt may be less creamy.
• 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt with live active cultures: This will act as your starter culture. Ensure the yogurt label states that it contains live active cultures.
• Optional: Sweeteners or flavorings: Honey, vanilla extract, or fruit can be added after the yogurt has set.

 Equipment:

• Heavy-bottom saucepan
• Candy thermometer or instant-read thermometer
• Whisk
• Glass or ceramic bowl
• Towels or a blanket
• Oven, cooler, or yogurt maker

Steps:

1. Heat the Milk: Pour the low-fat milk into the saucepan and heat it over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming and ensure even heating. Heat the milk until it reaches 180°F (82°C). This step is crucial as it kills any undesirable bacteria and denatures the milk proteins, which helps the yogurt thicken properly.
   
   
2. Cool the Milk: Once the milk reaches 180°F, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool down to between 110°F and 115°F (43°C to 46°C). You can speed up the cooling process by placing the saucepan in a sink filled with cold water, but be careful not to let any water get into the milk. Stir occasionally to help it cool evenly.
   
   
3. Add the Starter Culture: Take 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt with live active cultures and place it in a small bowl. Add about a cup of the cooled milk to the yogurt and whisk until smooth. This step helps to temper the yogurt, ensuring the live cultures are evenly distributed and not shocked by a sudden temperature change. Once mixed, add this back into the rest of the cooled milk and whisk thoroughly.
   
   
4. Incubate the Yogurt: Pour the milk mixture into a glass or ceramic bowl. Cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. To keep the milk mixture at the right temperature for fermentation (110°F to 115°F), you can use several methods:
   
   Oven Method: Preheat your oven to its lowest setting for a few minutes, then turn it off. Place the covered bowl inside and wrap it with towels or a blanket for insulation.
   
   Cooler Method: Place the bowl in a cooler and surround it with warm water bottles to maintain a consistent temperature.
   
   Yogurt Maker: If you have a yogurt maker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for incubating
   
   Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 6 to 12 hours. The longer it incubates, the thicker and tangier the yogurt will become. Check the yogurt after 6 hours; if it has set to your desired consistency, it's ready.
   
   
5. Chill the Yogurt: Once the yogurt has reached the desired thickness, move the bowl to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours. This helps the yogurt firm up and develop its flavor.
   
   
6. Flavor and Enjoy: After chilling, your homemade low-fat yogurt is ready to eat. You can enjoy it plain or add sweeteners and flavorings such as honey, vanilla extract, or fresh fruit. Store the yogurt in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 to 2 weeks.

In this video, the steps are demonstrated: 

 

Tips for Success:

• Starter Culture: Save a small amount of your homemade yogurt to use as a starter for your next batch. This way, you can continue making yogurt without needing store-bought yogurt.
• Sanitation: Ensure all equipment and utensils are clean to prevent contamination.
• Texture: For thicker yogurt, you can strain it through a cheesecloth or yogurt strainer to remove excess whey.

By following these steps, you can enjoy fresh, healthy, low-fat yogurt with the added benefits of probiotics. This homemade treat is not only delicious but also beneficial for your digestive health. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and recipes to find your perfect yogurt!