Making yogurt at home is not only a rewarding culinary experience but also allows you to enjoy a healthier and cheaper version of this probiotic rich food. With the help of your Instant Pot, the process becomes incredibly simple and efficient. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps of making creamy, delicious yogurt right in the comfort of your kitchen. With just a few simple steps, your Instant Pot can transform regular milk into a creamy and delightful homemade yogurt. Experiment with flavors, toppings, and textures to create your perfect batch. We love to mix in some chia jam for fun flavors. Also, be sure to make a batch of homemade granola too. Making yogurt at home has never been easier or more satisfying!
While you can always use “starter” yogurt from the store, another option is to use freeze dried yogurt starter.
Instant Pot Yogurt
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1/2 Gallon Whole Milk:- Choose high-quality whole milk for a creamier yogurt. Raw milk works do. Try to avoid using Ultra Pasteurized milk
- 2 TBSP Yogurt Starter Culture Use 2 TBSP from store bought plain yogurt, or from a previously made bact. If using freeze dried starter, follow package instructions
Instructions
Set up
- Ensure your Instant Pot is clean and sanitized. I like to use a different seal for yogurt so my yogurt doesn't end up tasting like bone broth.
Heat the Milk
- Pour 1/2 gallon of milk into the Instant Pot
- Close the lid and press the yogurt button on the Instant Pot to Boil. If you don't have a yogurt button, select Saute. **If using a duo model, choose yogurt then select pasteurization.
- Heat the milk to around 180°F (82°C). This should be the temp after the cycling through the "boil/pasteurized" yogurt function. If using the saute function stir occasionally to prevent scalding.
Cooling the Milk
- Once the milk reaches the 180°F turn off the Instant Pot and allow the milk to cool to 105-115°F. Doing this by removing the inner pot and seeing on the counter for an hour. Or to rapidly cool down, fill the sink with a couple inches of cold cold water. Add inner pot and keep track of the temperature. This should take about 10mins to cool.
Add the starter culture
- In a small bowl, mix a1/2 cup of the cooled milk with the 2 TBSP yogurt starter culture. Gently stir together.
- Pour the starter mixture into the cooled milk in the Instant Pot.
- Stir well to ensure an even distribution of the starter culture.
Incubate/Ferment
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot and select the "Yogurt" function.
- Set the incubation time (8 hours for a mild flavor, 12 hours for a little tangier, or 24 hours for a tangier higher probiotic count). I like to do the 24hour method.
- Set it and forget it. Allow the Instant Pot to work its magic.
Refrigerate
- After the incubation period, remove the inner pot and cover with a lid
- Transfer the Instant Pot insert to the refrigerator and let the yogurt chill for at least 2 hours before enjoying.
- Pour into Mason jars, mix some homemade chia jam or a little vanilla extract for fun flavors.
Notes
2. **Sweeteners and Flavorings:** Add honey, vanilla extract, or fruit puree to the cooled milk for flavored yogurt. Swirl in chia jam for a tasty addition.
3. Try increasing the incubation/fermentation time to 24hrs. Read all the benefits below. 4. You can double this recipe with a gallon of milk, use 4 TBSP starter.
If you want to take it a step further, Homemade 24-hour yogurt offers several nutritional benefits, making it a nutritious addition to your diet. The extended fermentation time contributes to the development of probiotics, enhances nutrient absorption, and may reduce lactose content. Here are some of the key nutritional benefits of 24-hour homemade yogurt:
1. Probiotics:
- Increased Probiotic Content: The extended fermentation time allows for the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, primarily Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. These probiotics can support gut health by promoting a balanced microbial environment.
2. Improved Digestibility:
- Reduced Lactose: Longer fermentation breaks down more lactose (milk sugar), making 24-hour yogurt potentially more digestible for individuals who are lactose intolerant. The beneficial bacteria consume lactose during fermentation.
3. Enhanced Nutrient Absorption:
- Increased Bioavailability of Nutrients: The fermentation process may enhance the bioavailability of certain nutrients, such as calcium and other minerals. This can potentially improve their absorption in the digestive system.
4. Rich in Protein and Nutrients:
- Protein: Yogurt, in general, is a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
- Calcium: Yogurt is rich in calcium, vital for bone health.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Depending on the type of milk used, yogurt can be a good source of various vitamins and minerals like B-vitamins, phosphorus, and magnesium.
5. Supports Immune Function:
- Immunomodulatory Effects: Probiotics found in yogurt may have immunomodulatory effects, potentially supporting the immune system by promoting a balanced immune response.
6. Gut Health:
- Balanced Microbiota: The presence of beneficial bacteria contributes to a balanced and diverse gut microbiota, which is associated with improved digestive health.
7. May Benefit Those with Lactose Sensitivity:
- Lower Lactose Levels: The fermentation process reduces lactose levels, making yogurt more tolerable for individuals with mild lactose sensitivity.
8. Versatility in Culinary Uses:
- Diverse Culinary Applications: Beyond its nutritional content, 24-hour yogurt’s thick texture and tangy flavor make it a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes, from breakfast to dinner.
Incorporating homemade 24-hour yogurt into your diet can be a delicious and nutritious way to support your overall health, particularly with its potential positive impact on gut health and nutrient absorption.