Raw Cottage Cheese
To discover another joy of homesteading, make your own cottage cheese! Here is a Raw Cottage Cheese recipe takes it to another level. Not only is it fresh, raw, and delicious, but it's packed with nutritional goodness! If you have access to fresh raw milk, then you'll want to give this recipe a try!
What Is Cottage Cheese?
Many have asked the following questions, so before going further, let's address them.
What is cottage cheese? Cottage cheese is a soft, creamy, fresh, unripened cheese.
What is in cottage cheese? It's made from milk curdled by an acid, which is generally either whey or vinegar, and sometimes rennet. Typically with some cream and salt added.
What does cottage cheese taste like? Raw cottage cheese has a mild, fresh, lightly salted, creamy flavour, with a hint of sweetness. It lends itself well to the addition of other flavors and ingredients, or as an ingredient in other dishes.
Is cottage cheese good for you? Yes! There are several benefits of eating cottage cheese. Cottage cheese is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals like calcium, which are important nutrients for continued good health.
Other nutritional benefits of cottage cheese include probiotics which promote gut health and aid in digestion. Probiotics also boost the immune system, and may help with conditions like diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and even some skin issues.
Cottage cheese can also aid in weight management, blood sugar control, and may help reduce inflammation. It contains calcium and phosphorus which are important for bone health.
Having said that, the nutritional benefits of cottage cheese can vary depending on the type of milk and level of milk fat used.
How Do You Make Your Own Cottage Cheese?
First, just a reminder that this amazing, extremely simple Raw Cottage Cheese recipe requires Fresh raw milk that has been cultured into Clabber. Using Clabber results in a traditional Cottage Cheese with a fabulous flavor and a superior nutritional value.
If you're using pasteurized milk, most homemade cottage cheese recipes, like this one, are made with vinegar. Others, like this cottage cheese recipe, use Rennet.
Also, you'll notice that we haven't included specific amounts in the recipe, as the "recipe" is so simple, and two of the three ingredients will depend on your personal taste.
Many recipes call for a gallon of raw clabbered milk, which will result in about 4 cups of Cottage Cheese. If you are single or have a small family, you may want to try making less first. Recently we made a batch with around a half-gallon of clabber. This resulted in about 2 1/2 cups of cottage cheese curds and 5 cups of whey. Raw Cottage Cheese is good for a week or so in the fridge.
Our Traditional Raw Cottage Cheese Recipe
Here's our raw cottage cheese recipe:
Ingredients:
- Clabbered Milk
- Cream and Salt - just add the amounts that you prefer for taste and texture
Here's the quick version of our recipe:
- Heat your clabber.
- Separate curds and whey.
- Add salt and cream - to taste
Steps in more detail:
- Pour clabbered milk into a thick-bottomed pot and place it over very low heat.
- Slowly, warm the milk, stirring frequently. (i like to use a wooden slotted spoon), until it reaches between 100 and 110°f (38 - 43°c), being careful not to heat the milk to a higher temperature. Higher temps begin to kill off beneficial enzymes and bacteria, as well as result in a more rubbery cottage cheese.
- As the milk warms, watch the small curds begin to separate from the whey as the cottage cheese forms. As you keep a careful eye on the temp, stir gently so as not to disturb the soft curd too much.
- Once the curds are separated, or the 110°f (43°c) is reached, immediately remove the pot from the heat and allow to cool for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Gently remove the curds using a small strainer or slotted spoon, or gently pour the curds and whey through either a cheesecloth-lined colander, fine-mesh strainer, or a nut milk bag to separate the whey from the curds.
- Once sufficiently drained, place the curds into a bowl.
- A bit of salt brings your cottage cheese flavor to life, and cream adds the creamy consistancy we love. Start with small amounts of each, and add more to achieve the consistancy and flavor that you desire!
As we see, making Cottage Cheese produces both curds and whey. You'll be using the curds to make your Raw Cottage Cheese. But don't waste the whey, it has many uses!
Don't Throw The Whey Away!
Is whey good for you? Yes, it is. You'll want to take advantage of the nutritional benefits of whey.
What to do with whey? Here's a great list of Practical and Creative Uses for Whey.
Ways to Use Cottage Cheese
Once you know how to make cottage cheese, you'll be looking for some recipes using cottage cheese that you've made! Here are a few suggestions for starters:
Lasagna with Cottage Cheese - Did know that you can use cottage cheese in lasagna? This recipe calls for cottage cheese instead of ricotta cheese and has garnered raving reviews! Using cottage cheese instead of ricotta makes lasagna higher in protein and lower in fat. The cottage cheese blends seamlessly into the noodles for creamy, cheesy goodness. And, it's a perfect make-ahead meal. Prep a double batch and keep one in the freezer for busy weeknights. It can be cooked frozen and tastes just as good!
3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Pancakes - looking for this simple, wholesome breakfast recipe that's packed with protein? This one is for you! It calls for cottage cheese, eggs (if you're a homesteader use Fresh farm eggs), and Bisquick!
Cottage Cheese Bread - This delicious homemade cottage cheese bread packed with over 15g of protein! It's easy to make, tasty and satisfying, and can be used for so many things.
Cottage Cheese Cheesecake Recipe - This low-calorie, high protein, New York-style cheesecake is made with a combination of cottage cheese and cream cheese, blended together for a creamy and delicious dessert. Serve with your favorite topping and enjoy!
Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Bars - These delicious, healthy Frozen Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Bars are a real treat! This recipe offers four different flavors, each a delightful taste experience – Strawberry Cheesecake, Banana, Pineapple Coconut, and Mixed Berry...
Cottage Cheese Ice Cream - This high protein ice cream made with cottage cheese is the creamiest, dreamiest dessert for the summer. With only 3 ingredients, cottage cheese, fruit of choice, and a natural sweetener, it's simple, healthy, and balanced!
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to recipes using cottage cheese! Other healthy, protein-filled ideas would include:
- Blend your raw cottage cheese into smoothies to increase protein and creaminess.
- Whipped cottage cheese makes a creamy dip for crackers, veggies, or fruit.
- Mix cottage cheese with pesto or seasonings to enhance the flavor for hors d'oeuvres.
- Use it as a spread on toast and sandwiches.
- Use it to make sauces, baked goods and wraps...
The sky's the limit! What are some of your favorite ways to use cottage cheese?
How Long Does Cottage Cheese Last?
How long does cottage cheese last? Homemade Raw Cottage Cheese, when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, typically lasts for a week or so.
After a week, check for sgns of spoilage. Monitor for any developing sour smells or discoloration, These are signs that the cottage cheese is going bad. When in doubt, toss it out.
The Enduring Legacy of Cottage Cheese
Raw cottage cheese has been a kitchen staple for centuries! Ancient herdsmen and farmers perfected the art of curdling milk, separating curds from whey, and using both for nurishing sustainance. Centuries later, when immigrants brought their cheesemaking tradition to America, it thrived.
The history of cottage cheese continues today. From breakfast to evening's dessert, cottage cheese still nourishes us, offering significant nutritional value, transforming meals with diversity and ease. Its versatility lends itself to creative uses which we enjoy throughout the year.
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