Mozarella Cheese

 Mozarella Cheese Recipe

Making mozzarella cheese at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here's a simple recipe for making mozzarella cheese with just a few ingredients:

Ingredients

- 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of whole milk (avoid using ultra-pasteurized milk)

- 1 1/2 teaspoons citric acid

- 1/4 teaspoon liquid rennet (or 1/4 tablet of rennet)

- 1/4 cup cool, chlorine-free water

- 1 teaspoon cheese salt (non-iodized)

Equipment

- Large stainless steel pot

- Thermometer

- Slotted spoon

- Microwave-safe bowl

- Microwave

- Microwave-safe gloves (optional but helpful)

INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1: Pour the milk into a large stainless steel pot and heat it over medium-low heat. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature. Heat the milk to around 55°C (130°F).

STEP 2: While the milk is heating, dissolve the citric acid in 1/4 cup of cool, chlorine-free water. Stir until it's fully dissolved.

STEP 3: When the milk reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat and gently stir in the citric acid solution. Stir for about 30 seconds.

STEP 4: Dissolve 1/4 teaspoon of liquid rennet in a small amount of cool water and add it to the milk. Stir gently for about 30 seconds. Then, let the milk sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes to allow the curds to form. You should see the milk coagulate into curds and whey.

STEP 5: Once the curds have formed, use a long knife to cut them into 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) cubes. Make sure to cut all the way to the bottom of the pot.

STEP 6: Place the pot back on low heat and slowly heat the curds to 135°F (57°C), stirring gently to prevent them from sticking together. This will take about 5-10 minutes.

STEP 7: Remove the curds from the heat and use a slotted spoon to scoop the curds into a microwave-safe bowl.

STEP 8: Microwave the curds on high for 1 minute. Carefully drain off any excess whey.

STEP 9: Put on microwave-safe gloves if you have them, and gently knead and stretch the curds like you would with bread dough. Be careful as the curds will be hot. If they don't stretch well, microwave for another 30 seconds and try again.

STEP 10: Add 1 teaspoon of cheese salt to the stretched curds and continue to knead and stretch until you achieve a smooth, shiny texture.

STEP 11: Shape the mozzarella into a ball or other desired shapes.

STEP 12: Allow the mozzarella to cool for a few minutes, and it's ready to enjoy!

Your homemade mozzarella cheese is now ready to be used in your favorite recipes, on pizza, or as a delicious snack. Enjoy!