Contents
Introduction
Making yogurt at home can be both satisfying and delicious, especially when using an Instant Pot. This method is straightforward and allows you to create creamy, homemade yogurt with minimal effort. In this article, we’ll walk you through the detailed recipe provided by Damn Delicious to make your own yogurt easily.
Ingredients
8 cups whole milk (2% milk can be substituted)
¼ cup plain whole milk yogurt
Prep Time
15-20 minutes
Cook Time
8 hours
Total Time
Approximately 9 hours
Yield
Makes about 8 cups of yogurt
Instructions
1. Boil the Milk:
– Pour the milk into a 6-quart Instant Pot®.
– Close and lock the lid.
– Select the yogurt setting and adjust to boil.
– This process can take up to 1 hour.
2. Cool the Milk:
– Carefully remove the Instant Pot® insert.
– Place it in a bowl of ice water, stirring occasionally, until the milk cools to between 100°F and 110°F.
– This cooling process takes about 15-20 minutes.
– Once cooled, set aside 1 cup of the milk.
3. Inoculate the Milk:
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the reserved 1 cup of milk and the ¼ cup of plain yogurt until smooth.
– Pour this mixture back into the remaining milk in the Instant Pot® insert.
– Stir gently to combine, being careful not to scrape the bottom of the insert.
4. Incubate the Yogurt:
– Return the insert to the Instant Pot®.
– Select the yogurt setting, which is automatically set for 8 hours.
– Allow the yogurt to incubate undisturbed for the full duration.
5. Chill the Yogurt:
– After incubation, transfer the yogurt to storage containers.
– Cover and refrigerate until cold, about 6-8 hours.
– The yogurt can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
Enjoy your homemade yogurt!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Boil the Milk
Pour the milk into a 6-quart Instant Pot®. Close and lock the lid. Select the yogurt setting and adjust to boil. This process can take up to 1 hour.
Cool the Milk
Carefully remove the Instant Pot® insert. Place it in a bowl of ice water, stirring occasionally, until the milk cools to between 100°F and 110°F. This cooling process takes about 15-20 minutes. Once cooled, set aside 1 cup of the milk.
Inoculate the Milk
In a medium bowl, whisk together the reserved 1 cup of milk and the ¼ cup of plain yogurt until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the remaining milk in the Instant Pot® insert. Stir gently to combine, being careful not to scrape the bottom of the insert.
Incubate the Yogurt
Return the insert to the Instant Pot®. Select the yogurt setting, which is automatically set for 8 hours. Allow the yogurt to incubate undisturbed for the full duration.
Chill the Yogurt
After incubation, transfer the yogurt to storage containers. Cover and refrigerate until cold, about 6-8 hours. The yogurt can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
Notes
This recipe is sourced from Damn Delicious.
Cook techniques
Boiling the Milk
Pour the milk into the Instant Pot®, close the lid, and use the yogurt setting to boil. This step ensures the milk is at the right temperature to kill any undesired bacteria.
Cooling the Milk
After boiling, carefully cool the milk by placing the insert in a bowl of ice water. Stir occasionally until it reaches a temperature between 100°F and 110°F. This is crucial for the growth of the yogurt cultures.
Inoculating the Milk
In a separate bowl, whisk together a portion of the cooled milk with the plain yogurt until smooth. This mixture is added back to the rest of the milk, ensuring even distribution of the yogurt cultures.
Incubating the Yogurt
Return the insert to the Instant Pot® and utilize the yogurt setting to allow the yogurt to ferment for 8 hours. This undisturbed incubation period is key to developing the yogurt’s texture and flavor.
Chilling the Yogurt
Once incubation is complete, transfer the yogurt into storage containers, cover, and refrigerate for several hours to fully set and chill before serving.
FAQ
Can I use different types of milk?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk with 2% milk or another milk of your choice, but the creaminess and texture may vary.
What type of yogurt can I use as a starter?
Use plain whole milk yogurt that contains live active cultures. Avoid flavored or seed-added varieties.
How do I know if my yogurt is set?
The yogurt should appear thick and have a tangy flavor. You can test its consistency with a spoon.
Can I sweeten or flavor my yogurt?
Yes, you can add sweeteners or flavorings after the yogurt has set and cooled to your taste.
How long does homemade yogurt last?
Homemade yogurt can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming.
Conclusion
Making yogurt in an Instant Pot is a simple yet rewarding process. With just two main ingredients, you can create creamy, delicious yogurt at home. The steps are straightforward, allowing you to customize your yogurt to your taste. Enjoy fresh yogurt that can be used in a variety of dishes or eaten on its own.
Classic Yogurt Parfait
Layer homemade yogurt with granola and fresh fruits like berries or bananas for a nutritious breakfast or snack.
Smoothies
Blend homemade yogurt with fruits, spinach, and a splash of juice or milk for a refreshing and healthy smoothie.
Yogurt-Based Sauces
Use yogurt as a base for sauces or dressings by mixing in herbs, lemon juice, and spices for a zesty topping on salads or grilled meats.
Yogurt Popsicles
Combine yogurt with pureed fruits and a bit of honey, pour into molds, and freeze for a healthy treat.
Curry with Yogurt
Add a dollop of yogurt to curry dishes to enhance creaminess and balance the spices.
Overnight Oats
Incorporate yogurt into your overnight oats for added creaminess and protein, making for a filling breakfast.
Dips
Mix yogurt with garlic, cucumber, and dill for a refreshing tzatziki dip perfect for veggies or pita bread.
