Caraway Cheese Delight

This delicious homemade cheese, infused with caraway seeds, is a culinary treat that combines rich flavors and creamy textures. The preparation involves simple ingredients like milk, sour cream, and eggs, all enhanced with the unique taste of caraway seeds. Perfect for those who love experimenting in the kitchen, this recipe is a fine example of traditional cheese-making techniques. The process, while lengthy, is quite straightforward with rewarding results. Making this cheese at home not only offers you a fresh, preservative-free option but also brings a sense of pride and accomplishment. You'll find that the addition of vinegar helps in the curdling process, yet does not affect the flavor of the cheese. Enjoy this cheese on its own, or pair it with breads and salads for an elevated meal experience. Whether on a cheese board or as a snack, this delightful cheese is sure to be a hit. Discover the joys of cheese-making and savor every bite of this creamy, flavor-packed delight.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

3 liters of whole milk
0.5 kg thick sour cream
6 eggs

Spices and Additions:

5 dessert spoons of vinegar (9%)
3 teaspoons of salt
Caraway seeds

Preparation Time

Total: 600 minutes (including resting time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare Your Tools: Line a colander with a large piece of cheesecloth, placing it securely in a suitable pot or bowl.
Heat the Milk: Pour the milk into a large pot and begin heating it over a medium flame. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Mix the Cream and Eggs: While the milk is warming, use a fork to beat the eggs with the sour cream in a separate bowl.
Curdle the Milk: As soon as the milk starts to form bubbles, slowly add the egg and cream mixture in a thin stream. Stir the mixture gently and continuously.
Add Vinegar if Needed: If the sour cream isn’t sufficiently acidic, start by adding 3 dessert spoons of vinegar. If necessary, add a couple more spoonfuls until the mixture begins to curdle.
Forming the Curdles: Once you can see substantial curdles and the whey separating, remove the pot from heat.
Let it Cool: Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then add salt and caraway seeds.
Transfer to Cheesecloth: Pour the cheese mixture into the prepared colander lined with cheesecloth.
Drain the Whey: After the whey has sufficiently drained, gather the cheesecloth corners together and tie them into a firm knot.
Press the Cheese: Place a weight over the packed cheese mass—a jar filled with water or a heavy lid will do. Place it in the fridge overnight to allow excess liquid to seep out.
Final Set-Up: The next day, remove the cheese from the cheesecloth and it's ready to be served.

Tips

Substitutions: For a different flavor twist, add herbs like dill or chives instead of caraway seeds.
Techniques: Ensure your sour cream is thick for better results, as it helps in achieving a creamier cheese.
Storage: Keep the cheese wrapped in parchment paper inside an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Nutrition

Calories: Approximately 250 calories per 100g serving
Protein: 14g
Fats: 18g
Carbs: 3g

Variations

Spicy Variation: Add finely chopped jalapeños or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Herbaceous Version: Incorporate fresh herbs such as basil or parsley for a herby twist.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with crusty bread or crackers.
Serve with a side salad or fresh vegetable crudités.
Ideal addition to a cheese board, accompanied by nuts and dried fruits.

Best Places

The Cheese Bar - A delightful destination for cheese lovers with a cozy ambiance. Location: Camden Market, London, UK.
Cheese & Wine Room - Offers a wonderful array of cheeses paired with exquisite wines. Location: George St, Sydney, Australia.
Murray's Cheese - Renowned for an incredible selection of artisanal cheeses. Location: Bleecker St, New York, USA.
Caseus Fromagerie & Bistro - A haven for cheese connoisseurs with a delectable menu. Location: Whitney Ave, New Haven, USA.
Antwerpse Kaasmeester - Known for an exceptional assortment of local cheeses. Location: Kasteelpleinstraat, Antwerp, Belgium.
La Fromagerie - Showcases a wide range of cheeses, both local and international. Location: Marylebone, London, UK.
De Kaaskamer - A charming shop with a focus on traditional cheese-making techniques. Location: Runstraat, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The Cheese Shop - Offers a quaint setting with a diverse cheese selection. Location: Strand Arcade, Sydney, Australia.
Formaggio Kitchen - Features a curated set of cheeses in an inviting atmosphere. Location: Huron Ave, Cambridge, USA.
Quesos y Más - A true gem in the heart of the city with an impressive variety. Location: Calle de la Cruz, Madrid, Spain.