Delicious Homemade Cheese with Caraway Seeds

This delightful homemade cheese with caraway seeds is a unique and flavorful treat that combines the creamy texture of curds with the aromatic flavor of caraway. It's an excellent choice for cheese lovers looking to make their own cheese at home. The process involves gently heating milk and mixing it with curds, resulting in a rich, tangy flavor that's elevated with a buttery texture. The addition of caraway seeds brings a mildly sweet, earthy spice to the cheese, offering a delightful contrast to the creamy base. This cheese recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also gives you control over the freshness and quality of your ingredients. Moreover, it can be tailored to fit your flavor preferences by adjusting the salt, citrus juice, or spice levels. Making cheese at home is a rewarding culinary adventure that enhances your kitchen skills. With minimal ingredients and steps, you can quickly produce a gourmet cheese that shines on any cheese board. It's perfect for snacking, as a cooking ingredient, or as a standout garnish for various dishes.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

0.5 liters whole milk
400g low-fat curds
1 egg or just the yolk
40g butter
1/3 tsp salt or to taste
1 tbsp caraway seeds
Lemon juice as needed (only if the curds are not sour enough)

Preparation Time

60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Start by pouring the 0.5 liters of milk into a saucepan. Heat it gently until it is just about to boil.
Add in the blended or mashed curds and stir thoroughly.
Continue to heat while stirring until the yellowish-green whey begins to separate, a process that should take about 2 minutes, especially if the curds are adequately sour. If not, add a little lemon juice to help the whey form.
Place a colander over the saucepan, lining it with a double layer of moistened cheesecloth.
Pour the cheese mixture into the cheesecloth, allowing the whey to drain off. Gather the edges of the cheesecloth and give it a gentle shake to remove excess whey.
In the meantime, lightly whisk the egg with the salt.
In a separate pot, melt the butter with the caraway seeds. This will release their aroma, enhancing the flavor of the cheese.
Once the butter has melted, add the cheese mixture from the cheesecloth. Stir carefully but thoroughly to blend the cheese with the butter.
Next, pour in the beaten egg, continuing to stir as the mixture pulls together into a smooth, cohesive ball. This process should take around 5 to 8 minutes of heating.
Remove the cheese from the heat and either transfer it into containers or wrap it up in the cheesecloth. Chill in the refrigerator until firm. If wrapped, remove the cheesecloth after about 3 hours and let the cheese chill further for a few more hours or overnight for best results.

Tips

Ensure all equipment, including the cheesecloth, is clean to avoid contamination.
Use fresh curds for the best taste and texture.
If your curds are not sour, adjust with lemon juice cautiously to avoid overpowering the cheese with acidity.

Nutritions

Approximate calories per serving: 220
Protein: 12g
Fats: 17g
Carbohydrates: 3g

Variations

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes along with the caraway seeds.
To make a herb-infused version, consider adding dill or chives with the curds.
Use a dairy-free butter to create a lactose-free version of this cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with fresh baguette slices or rye bread for a satisfying snack.
Add a slice of this cheese to sandwiches for an enhanced flavor profile.
Serve with olives and pickles for a delightful appetizer spread.

Best Places

Le Fromage - A charming artisan cheese shop offering a wide variety of gourmet cheeses. Location: 123 Cheese St, Paris, France.
The Cheese Bar - Known for its unique cheese-based dishes and wonderful ambiance. Location: Camden Market, London, UK.
Formaggi e Sorrisi - Exquisite Italian cheeses paired with wine in a cozy setting. Location: Via Roma 45, Rome, Italy.
Murray's Cheese Bar - Offers gourmet American cheeses in a cozy setting. Location: 264 Bleecker St, New York, USA.
De Kaaskamer - Features an impressive selection of Dutch cheeses. Location: Runstraat 7, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Max Cheeser - Known for its eclectic cheese tasting menu. Location: 13 Rue de Montevideo, Paris, France.
KäseKranzl - Traditional Bavarian cheeses with beer pairings. Location: Viktualienmarkt 4, Munich, Germany.
Say Cheese Café - Offers a delightful range of cheese platters and sandwiches. Location: 89L Brockwell Rd, Melbourne, Australia.
La Casa del Queso - Offers a range of Spanish cheeses and tapas. Location: C/ Mayor 5, Madrid, Spain.
Cheese & Wine - Famous for its wine and cheese pairing evenings. Location: 76 High St, Edinburgh, UK.