German Quark Recipe, Tips for Making Homemade Quark & How to Make from www.internationaldessertsblog.com
Introduction
If you're a fan of creamy, tangy, and versatile dairy products, you might want to try quark. This soft cheese-like product is popular in Europe, especially in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and is slowly gaining popularity in other parts of the world. Quark is made by fermenting milk with bacteria, then separating the curds from the whey. It's low in fat, high in protein, and packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters. In this article, we'll show you how to make a delicious and nutritious quark recipe that you can enjoy for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
To make this quark recipe, you'll need the following ingredients: - 1 liter of milk (preferably whole milk) - 100 ml of buttermilk or yogurt (with live cultures) - A pinch of salt - Optional: honey, vanilla extract, fruit, or nuts for flavoring
Note on Ingredients
You can use any type of milk to make quark, but whole milk produces a creamier and richer product. Buttermilk or yogurt with live cultures will help ferment the milk and produce the tangy flavor of quark. You can add salt to enhance the taste, but it's optional. If you want to sweeten or flavor the quark, you can add honey, vanilla extract, fruit, or nuts, depending on your preference.
Instructions
Making quark is easy, but it requires some patience and time. Here's how to do it: 1. Pour the milk into a large pot and heat it over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching and to ensure even heating. Heat the milk until it reaches 85°C or 185°F. You can use a thermometer to check the temperature, or you can wait until the milk starts to steam and form small bubbles around the edges. 2. Remove the pot from the heat and let the milk cool down to 45°C or 115°F. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the pot in a bowl of cold water or into an ice bath. Stir the milk occasionally to distribute the heat. 3. Once the milk has cooled down, add the buttermilk or yogurt and stir well. Cover the pot with a lid or a clean towel and let it sit at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. During this time, the bacteria in the buttermilk or yogurt will ferment the milk and thicken it. 4. After 12 to 24 hours, check the consistency of the milk. It should have thickened and formed curds and whey. If it's still too liquid, let it sit for a few more hours until it thickens. 5. Line a colander with a cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel and place it over a bowl. Pour the curdled milk into the colander and let it drain for several hours or overnight. The longer you let it drain, the firmer the quark will be. 6. Once the quark has drained to your desired consistency, transfer it to a mixing bowl and add a pinch of salt if desired. Mix well with a spoon or a whisk until smooth. 7. If you want to flavor or sweeten the quark, add honey, vanilla extract, fruit, or nuts, and mix well. 8. Serve the quark immediately or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Note on Instructions
The key to making quark is to let the milk ferment for long enough to thicken and curdle. You can adjust the fermentation time depending on the temperature and humidity in your kitchen. The longer you ferment, the tangier the quark will be. The cheesecloth or kitchen towel will help drain the whey and separate the curds, resulting in a creamy and spreadable quark. You can adjust the salt and flavorings to your taste preference.
Nutrition
Quark is a healthy and nutritious food that can provide many health benefits. Here are some of its nutritional values per 100 grams: - Calories: 62 - Protein: 11g - Fat: 1g - Carbohydrates: 3g - Fiber: 0g - Sugar: 3g - Calcium: 124mg - Potassium: 143mg - Sodium: 50mg - Vitamin B12: 0.4mcg - Phosphorus: 97mg Quark is low in calories and fat, making it an excellent choice for weight management. It's also high in protein, which can help build and repair muscles, and promote satiety. Quark is a good source of calcium, which can strengthen bones and teeth, and potassium, which can regulate blood pressure and heart function. Quark is also rich in vitamin B12, which can support nerve and brain health, and phosphorus, which can improve digestion and energy metabolism.
Conclusion
Quark is a delicious and healthy dairy product that you can easily make at home. This quark recipe is simple, versatile, and customizable, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and toppings. Quark can be enjoyed as a spread, dip, topping, or filling, and can be paired with bread, crackers, fruits, or vegetables. Quark is a great addition to any meal or snack, and can provide you with essential nutrients and health benefits. Try this quark recipe today and treat yourself to a creamy and tangy treat!
