Homemade Yogurt
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Homemade Yogurt, made from whole milk is an essential part of everyday Indian Meals. Sharing both a stovetop and Instant Pot method.
Author:
Recipe type: Sides
Serves: 6 cups
Ingredients
  • 6 cups organic whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
Method
  1. STOVETOP METHOD
  2. In a heavy pot, heat milk on medium heat stirring often to avoid burning. As the milk comes to a boil turn off and remove from heat.
  3. Pre heat oven or toaster oven to 350 F (or high heat if the toaster oven only has low/medium/high option).
  4. Let milk cool until its warm to touch. Once it's warm turn off oven/toaster oven. Pour milk in heat proof container, add the starter to the warm milk, wisk well, cover and place in the oven/toaster oven. Let the yogurt incubate for 4-6 hours.
  5. Remove from oven and refrigerate for 1-2 hours before use.
  6. INSTANT POT METHOD
  7. Place 2 cups of water and trivet in Instant Pot. Place heat proof/pyrex container inside and add the milk.
  8. Close the lid and move the venting knob to sealing position. Set the steam function for 3 minutes + natural release.
  9. After the pressure releases open the lid and cool the milk to 111°F. An easy way to determine if the milk is at an optimal temperature for the starter is to ensure the milk is hot but not scalding.
  10. Once the milk cools to the correct temperature gently whisk in the yogurt starter. If you wish to have malai add the starter from the side to ensure you don't disturb the top milk fats that have risen. For a thicker yogurt without the malai whisk in that layer with the starter.
  11. Close lid and set the 'Yogurt' function. Adjust the time to 8:00 – 10:00 hours, depending on how tangy you like your yogurt (longer time = tangier).
  12. Don’t disrupt the fermentation process by moving the Instant Pot or opening the lid.
  13. Once the yogurt cycle has completed, remove the inner pot of yogurt and place it in the fridge for a few hours to stop the incubating process and allow it to thicken.
Notes
Homemade yogurt lasts 2-3 weeks.

Use whole milk for a creamier yogurt.

Oven method: Make sure the container you set the yogurt in is oven proof.

Homemade dahi is free of any additives, gelatin and pectin.

Always use a plain yogurt starter, to make flavored yogurt add in fresh fruit purees or vanilla essence after the yogurt has been made and chilled.
Recipe by Love Laugh Mirch at https://lovelaughmirch.com/homemade-yogurt/