Description
Basa cheese is a traditional Croatian delicacy originating from the mountainous region of Lika. This simple, homemade cheese is made from whole milk and sour cream, creating a creamy and versatile spread.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 pints (2 liters) whole milk
- 0.4 pint (200 ml) sour cream
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions
Prepare the Milk
- Boil the Milk: Pour the whole milk into a large pot and heat it until it reaches a rolling boil.
- Cool the Milk: Remove the pot from the heat and let the milk cool until it is tepid.
Mix in the Sour Cream
- Add Sour Cream: Once the milk has cooled to a tepid temperature, stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated.
- Cover and Wrap: Cover the pot with a lid and wrap it in a kitchen towel to keep it warm. Leave it in a warm place overnight.
Strain the Cheese
- Prepare the Strainer: Line a strainer with a clean cheesecloth and place it inside a large bowl.
- Drain the Whey: Pour the tepid milk mixture into the cheesecloth-lined strainer. The mixture will have a pudding-like consistency.
- Stir Gently: Gently stir the mixture to help drain off the whey.
- Refrigerate: Fold the ends of the cheesecloth over the cheese and place the strainer and bowl in the refrigerator. Let it drain for a couple of hours.
Final Touches
- Collect Whey: Occasionally collect the drained whey. You can use it in smoothies or other recipes.
- Decide Consistency: The longer you leave the cheese to drain, the firmer it will become. Decide whether you want a firmer or creamier cheese and adjust the draining time accordingly.
- Remove and Store: Carefully remove the cheese from the cheesecloth. If using it in savory dishes, add salt to taste. For sweet dishes, leave it unsalted.
Notes
- Consistency: For a creamier cheese, drain for a shorter period. For a firmer cheese, drain longer.
- Whey Usage: Don’t discard the whey. It’s nutritious and can be used in various recipes or consumed as a drink.
- Serving Suggestions: Use as a spread on bread, in savory dishes, or in cheesecakes.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Draining and Setting: 12 hours
- Cook Time: 15 min
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 50g
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg