How to Make Homemade Coconut Yogurt?

Introduction:

Yogurt is a tasty and creamy food that is packed with nutrients and beneficial bacteria. With its versatility, you can incorporate it into your diet as a snack or meal accompaniment. For those who are lactose intolerant or on a plant-based diet, coconut yogurt offers an excellent alternative. Besides all the benefits of dairy yogurt, coconut yogurt is rich in healthy fats, fiber, and other essential nutrients that promote overall health. While store-bought coconut yogurt can be costly, luckily, making your own coconut yogurt at home is an easy and affordable option. This article provides a detailed and step-by-step guide on how to make homemade coconut yogurt.

Ingredients:

• – 2 cans of full-fat coconut milk
• – 1 TBSP agar agar flakes
• – 4 capsules of vegan probiotics
• – 1-2 TBSP maple syrup (optional)
• – 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional)

Equipment:

• – Measuring cups and spoons
• – Blender or food processor
• – Large pot
• – Thermometer
• – Whisk
• – Sterilized glass jars with lids

Steps:

1. Sterilize the jars and equipment

   Before starting to make the coconut yogurt, it is crucial to thoroughly clean and sterilize all the equipment and jars. Doing so helps to prevent unwanted bacteria from contaminating your yogurt. You can sterilize your jars and equipment by boiling them in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Another option is to run them through a hot dishwasher cycle that allows the utensils to be cleaned and used in cooking the coconut yogurt.

2. Prepare the coconut milk

   Open the cans of full-fat coconut milk and pour it into a large pot. Add the agar agar flakes to the pot and stir well to combine. Next, place the pot on the stove and turn the heat to a medium-high setting. Bring the coconut milk to a gentle boil while whisking regularly to prevent clumps from forming. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes until the agar agar is completely dissolved.

3. Cool the coconut milk

   Once the agar agar has dissolved, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool to a temperature range of 115-118°F (46-48°C). You can use a thermometer to check the temperature. If the coconut milk is too hot or too cold, it can kill the probiotics, so it is important to get the temperature just right.

4. Add the probiotics

   Once the coconut milk has cooled to the right temperature, open the vegan probiotics capsules and add the powder to the pot. Whisk the mixture well to ensure that the probiotics are evenly distributed. At this point, you can choose to add maple syrup or vanilla extract to flavor your coconut yogurt.

5. Incubate the mixture

   Once the probiotics are thoroughly mixed with the coconut milk, it’s time to incubate the yogurt. Transfer the mixture to sterilized jars and seal the lids. Place the jars in your oven or Instant pot and set the temperature to the lowest available. For most appliances, this is typically around 100-110°F. Leave the jars for 8 to 12 hours for fermentation to occur and for better thickening.

   If you don’t have an oven or Instant pot available, you can also incubate your yogurt on a dark counter, wrapped in a thick towel to keep it warm. During the fermentation period, due to the growth of probiotics, heat is produced, so it is crucial to keep the yogurt away from any cold drafts.

6. Store the yogurt

   After the incubation period, your homemade coconut yogurt is ready. The yogurt will be tangy and slightly sour, and you can alter the flavor by adding additional sweetening at this stage. You can store your homemade coconut yogurt in the fridge for up to a week. As it cools, the yogurt may thicken further. You’ll notice that the yogurt has a natural separation, just like dairy yogurt. So, mix well before serving.

   You can enjoy your homemade coconut yogurt as it is, or add it to your favorite smoothies, bowls, or pair it with fruit to make a refreshing and delicious snack.

Tips and Tricks:

• – Use full-fat coconut milk for a creamier texture. The fat content helps to thicken the mixture better.
• – Always use vegan probiotics for a vegan-friendly option.
• – Avoid using metal utensils during the fermentation process as it can disrupt the probiotic growth, causing a metallic taste in the yogurt.
• – You can add other fruit flavor like pureed mango, pineapple, or blueberry to add natural sweetness and a fruity twist.

Conclusion:

Making homemade coconut yogurt is an easy and affordable way to enjoy this delicious and nutritious food. With the right ingredients and equipment, anyone can make a batch of tangy, creamy coconut yogurt that is perfect for those who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet. Using this guide, you can quickly make your own homemade coconut yogurt and enjoy the numerous health benefits it provides. So, why wait? Start your homemade yogurt journey today, explore with different flavoring, and find the perfect match for your taste buds.