You just need a strainer and some cheesecloth to turn yogurt Greek.
This one simple step transforms homemade yogurt into thick, creamy Greek yogurt.
Its completely worth it.
Whey makes yogurt tangy and loose; straining it out makes it sweet and rich.
Why Is it Called Greek Yogurt?
Not all yogurt in Greece is strained, and many cuisines besides Greek cuisine strain yogurt.
Alison Conklin
Basically it’s a marketing term to refer to yogurt that’s been strained to make it thicker.
Unstrained yogurt has plenty of integrity.
It’s the original yogurt!
Melanie Tienter / Simply Recipes
How To Make Greek Yogurt
Line a strainer or colander with cheesecloth.
Double it up if the cheesecloths weave is loose.
(A coffee filter or heavy-duty paper towel works for smaller amounts.)
Alison Conklin
Set the colander over a bowl.
The whey will start to drip from the yogurt down into the bowl.
That’s how I do it and I’m still here, safe and sound.
Alison Conklin
Youll be surprised how much whey strains out.
This does decrease your yield of yogurt, but not as much as youd think.
Ideally, strained yogurt has a textural lightness and a hint of fluffiness.
Alison Conklin
How Long Does It Take?
Depending on how stiff youd like your yogurt, it takes anywhere from 1 to 8 hours.
A regular strainer will take longer.
Whisk Like Heck
Melanie Tienter / Simply Recipes
Can You Reuse the Cheesecloth?
you’re free to use your cheesecloth multiple times.
confirm you rinse it well after straining, getting any clinging blobs of yogurt off.
I dont wash my cheesecloth in the washing machine, for a few reasons.
You dont want your yogurt to taste or smell like laundry detergent, especially if its scented.
You dont want to bleach it, for the same reasons.
Ways To Use Leftover Whey
Yogurt whey is acidic, with sour power.
Whey lasts a long time.
I promise youll have a lot more whey than youll ever use up.
For Glamorous Hair, Use Whey!
It’s my very favorite thing, and I ditched a slew of hair styling products after this discovery.
Iread aboutrinsing hair with whey, tried it on a lark, and am now a total convert.
Mildly acidic whey has just the right pH to make hair glossy and bounce with body.
More DIY Cooking Projects!
Check the yogurt occasionally and stop when you reach a consistency that you like.
Whisk the strained yogurt until smooth and shiny.
Dont be afraid to whisk hard!
If its too stiff, whisk in some whey, a few tablespoons at a time.
Transfer to a storage container, and store for up to two weeks.
Discard the whey, or refrigerate it in its own jar for up to 2 months.
