Ingredients
- 4 liters (1 gallon) of milk (cow, goat, or sheep milk)
- 2.5ml (1/2 tsp) of liquid rennet or 1/4 rennet tablet dissolved in 60ml (1/4 cup) of cool water
- 15ml (1 tbsp) of citric acid dissolved in 120ml (1/2 cup) of cool water
- 10g (1 tbsp) of coarse salt
- Ice for an ice bath
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Milk
Begin by pouring your choice of milk into a large saucepan or stockpot. Gently heat the milk to 13°C (55°F), stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Once the milk reaches the desired temperature, slowly add the citric acid solution, stirring gently.
Step 2: Curdling the Milk
Increase the heat and bring the milk to 31°C (88°F). Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the dissolved rennet. Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes until it resembles a large mass of soft curds.
Step 3: Cutting and Heating the Curds
With a long knife, cut the curds into a grid pattern to facilitate even cooking. Gradually heat the curds to 41°C (105°F), stirring gently and continuously to prevent forming large lumps. This process should take around 15 minutes.
Step 4: Separating the Whey
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the curds into a colander lined with cheesecloth, allowing the whey to drain. Carefully fold and tie the cheesecloth to form a pouch, thoroughly draining for another 15 minutes over the mixing bowl.
Step 5: Stretching the Curds
Immerse the drained curds in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1 minute. Drain off any excess whey and knead the cheese, squeezing the curds together. Repeat heating at 30-second intervals until the cheese reaches 57°C (135°F). Add salt and stretch the cheese until it’s silky.
Step 6: Forming Mozzarella Balls
Shape the mozzarella into balls using your hands or by folding into a log shape, then place them into an ice bath to cool and set for about 30 minutes.
Conclusion
There you have it – fresh, homemade mozzarella! Whether enjoyed fresh with a drizzle of olive oil and herbs or melted over a hot pizza, this cheese stands as a testament to the marriage of tradition and innovation in the culinary arts. By experimenting with different milk varieties, you can offer an array of flavors, increasing the depth of your cheese-making skills. The process requires precision and patience, but the reward is a beautifully crafted cheese that elevates any dish it graces.
