Are you craving for a traditional creamy delight? Try goat milk yogurt. This infusion is flavorful, wholesome, nutritious, and a perfect alternative to dairy yogurts. The drink is full of live cultures to take care of your gut, plus the taste is sumptuous.
To make yogurt, you need fresh goat milk and live cultures. Heat the milk until it reaches 180°F, cool and mix with the live culture, and keep it for 6-12 hours. You can extend the time to achieve your preferred thickness and tanginess. There are several steps to follow for the best outcome. But first things first:
Making Goat Milk Yogurt
Making goat milk yogurt at Home is a straightforward process. It requires just two ingredients and patience. Here’s a basic recipe for making goat milk yogurt;
Ingredients
- 4 cups of fresh goat milk
- Two tablespoons of plain yogurt with live cultures (as a starter)
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Thermometer
- Whisk
- A clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth
- A yogurt maker or an oven with a light
Procedure
- Heat the goat milk in a saucepan until around 180°F (82°C). Heating denatures the proteins for a smoother yogurt texture.
- Cool to 110°F (43°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- Mix two tablespoons of plain yogurt with half a cup of cooled milk and whisk until smooth. This serves as your yogurt starter.
- Add the yogurt starter mixture back into the remaining cooled milk. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the starter culture.
- Pour the milk mixture into a clean container and over it with a clean cheesecloth.
- Place the container in a yogurt maker. You can use an oven with a light to maintain a consistent temperature. The ideal incubation temperature is around 110°F (43°C). Allow the yogurt to incubate for 6-12 hours, depending on your desired thickness and tanginess.
- After the incubation period, check the yogurt for a set. It should have thickened and set into a yogurt-like consistency. You can leave it for a few more hours if it needs more time.
- Refrigerate and let it chill for at least 2 hours before consuming.
- To enhance flavor, add berries like strawberry, gooseberry, raspberry, etc.
Cheers!
The Benefits Of Goat Milk Yogurt
Goat milk yogurt isn’t just any other fermented drink. It is a nutritional infusion that comes with several benefits;
- Goat milk yogurt boasts easier digestibility than cow’s milk. It is, thus, an excellent option for those with lactose sensitivities or digestive concerns.
- The milk contains essential nutrients, including calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D.
- It has probiotic power, which includes live cultures from the starter yogurt. The drink promotes a healthy gut microbiome, enhancing digestion and bolstering the immune system.
- Goat milk has reduced allergens as its proteins form smaller curds than cow’s milk. So, most individuals with dairy protein allergies can tolerate this product.
- The milk has an enhanced flavor profile that is slightly sweet and undertone.
- It is a versatile culinary ingredient for sweet and savory dishes.
- Goat milk is a nutrient-rich dairy alternative.
Here is the overview of the nutritional content of goat milk yogurt per cup (about 245 grams):
Calories: Approximately 140 calories
- Protein: 8 grams
- Fat: 10 grams
- Saturated Fat: 7 grams
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.5 grams
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 8 grams
- Sugars: 8 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 0 grams
- Calcium: 300 mgs
- Phosphorus: 230 mgs
Parting Shot
Like other yogurts, goat milk yogurt contains beneficial probiotics that contribute to gut health.
Its nutritional content varies depending on the specific brand and production methods. The yogurt is best for digestibility and a good substitute for cow yogurt. If you have lactose sensitivity, try this drink. You can drink it sweetened or unsweetened. Good eating!