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Growing up in a multicultural home, one of the traditions I cherished the most was watching my mother prepare yogurt, or as she lovingly referred to it, “mast”. Her mast recipe was no family secret; it was simple and had been passed down for generations in Persian households. Over the years, I have come to realize that making yogurt at home is not only fulfilling but also offers an incomparable taste and numerous health benefits compared to store-bought variants.
The first time I witnessed the preparation of the mast recipe, I was genuinely intrigued by the simplicity of the ingredients. All you need is 4 cups of milk (preferably 2% or whole milk) and 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt that acts as a starter. This modest list of ingredients pales in comparison to the long list of additives, preservatives, and flavorings often found in store-bought yogurt.
The process is equally simple. Begin by heating the milk in a large pot until it’s just about to boil. Once small bubbles form on the surface, turn off the heat and let the milk cool until it’s warm to touch, but not hot. This is crucial as the right temperature ensures that the live cultures in the yogurt starter can thrive and proliferate.
Once the milk has reached the desired temperature, whisk in the 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt. This introduces the necessary bacteria to start the fermentation process. Then, transfer the milk mixture to a container, cover it, and let it sit undisturbed in a warm spot for 6-12 hours. The longer the fermentation, the tangier the yogurt will be. By the end of the fermentation process, the milk will have transformed into a creamy, luscious yogurt – your very own homemade mast.
Store-bought yogurt often lacks the depth of flavor and texture that the homemade version offers. While store-bought versions might be convenient, they often contain added sugars, artificial flavors, and thickeners. The beauty of the mast recipe is its purity. There are no hidden ingredients; what you see is what you get. This not only makes it healthier but also allows you to have complete control over its flavor and consistency.
Another advantage of making yogurt at home is the economic benefit. With just 4 cups of milk and a small amount of yogurt, you can produce a significant quantity of high-quality yogurt. Over time, this can result in substantial savings compared to regularly buying yogurt from the store.
Incorporating this mast recipe into your routine can also become a therapeutic ritual. The process of patiently waiting for the milk to transform, the gentle stirring, and the anticipation of tasting the final product can be incredibly rewarding. It connects you with age-old traditions, making each spoonful an experience rather than just another item on your breakfast menu.
In conclusion, while store-bought yogurts might offer convenience, they often lack the genuine taste, texture, and health benefits that come from a traditional mast recipe. Making yogurt at home is not just a culinary exercise but also a journey that connects us with traditions, offers superior quality, and saves money in the long run.
So, the next time you crave some yogurt, remember the magic of the mast recipe and consider making it at home. It’s a decision your taste buds and wallet will thank you for.
Check out a brief video on preparing this nutritious mast recipe
Equipment needed to make this delicious recipe
Click here to get: Non Stick Cooking Pot
Click here to get: Glass Mixing Bowl with Lid
Mast recipe (Homemade Yogurt: A Healthy Tradition)
4
servings30
minutes30
minutesIngredients
4 cups of milk (2% or whole milk)
3 tbsp. of plain regular yogurt (available in markets)
Directions
- Warm the Milk: In a pot, gently warm the milk over medium to high heat. Watch it closely and remove it from the heat just before it reaches boiling point. It’s essential to prevent the milk from boiling over for the best consistency.
- Prepare the Bowl: Pour the milk into a heat-resistant bowl with a lid. To acclimatize the bowl to the heat, add a small amount of the warm milk first.
- Cool the Milk: Set the bowl aside and let the milk cool naturally until it is comfortably warm to the touch.
- Add the Yogurt: Stir the yogurt into the warm milk, mixing thoroughly to ensure a smooth, uniform texture.
- Fermentation: Cover the bowl and let the mixture sit undisturbed at room temperature for at least 24 hours. This allows the milk to ferment and transform into yogurt.
- Refrigerate: Once the yogurt has set to your liking, transfer it to the refrigerator to preserve its freshness. Enjoy your homemade yogurt at your convenience.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Equipment needed: Non Stick Cooking Pot
- Equipment needed: Glass Mixing Bowl with Lid
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