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Croatian Basa Cheese Recipe

How to Make Croatian Basa Cheese


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  • Author: Tamara Novacovic for Honest Cooking Magazine
  • Total Time: 12 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 cups 1x

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

  1. Boil the Milk: Pour the whole milk into a large pot and heat it until it reaches a rolling boil.
  2. Cool the Milk: Remove the pot from the heat and let the milk cool until it is tepid.

Mix in the Sour Cream

  1. Add Sour Cream: Once the milk has cooled to a tepid temperature, stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated.
  2. 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

  1. Prepare the Strainer: Line a strainer with a clean cheesecloth and place it inside a large bowl.
  2. Drain the Whey: Pour the tepid milk mixture into the cheesecloth-lined strainer. The mixture will have a pudding-like consistency.
  3. Stir Gently: Gently stir the mixture to help drain off the whey.
  4. 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

  1. Collect Whey: Occasionally collect the drained whey. You can use it in smoothies or other recipes.
  2. 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.
  3. 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