Fresh Burrata: Everything You Need to Know
If you’re a cheese lover, chances are, you’ve heard of Burrata. This cheese is taking the culinary world by storm, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than by making it fresh at home. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make fresh Burrata at home, from the ingredients and equipment you’ll need, to the step-by-step process of making it. So, let’s get started!
Ingredients and Equipment
Before we dive into the process, you’ll need to gather a few ingredients and equipment. Don’t worry, the ingredients are simple and easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon of whole milk
– 1 1/2 teaspoons of citric acid
– Rennet
– Salt
– Ice-cold water
Equipment:
– A large pot
– A thermometer
– A colander
– A slotted spoon
– A mixing bowl
– A cheesecloth
– A squeeze bottle
Preparing the Milk
The first step in making fresh Burrata is to prepare the milk. Start by pouring a gallon of whole milk into a large pot and heating it to 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the milk has reached the desired temperature, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of citric acid and stir for a few seconds. Then, add the rennet and stir again for a few seconds.
Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the curd to form. After 10 minutes, cut the curd using a sharp knife, making sure to cut it into small cubes. Then, heat the mixture to 108 degrees Fahrenheit, stirring occasionally.
Straining and Stretching the Cheese
Now that the curd has formed, it’s time to strain and stretch the cheese. Place a large colander over a mixing bowl and pour the curd into the colander to separate the whey from the curd. Then, transfer the curd to another mixing bowl and add a pinch of salt.
Using a slotted spoon, start stretching the cheese until it becomes pliable and shiny. This can take up to 10 minutes, so be patient. Once the cheese is shiny and pliable, form it into a ball and set it aside.
Forming the Burrata
Now comes the fun part – forming the Burrata! Take the ball of cheese you just made and flatten it into a disc. Then, fill a squeeze bottle with ice-cold water and poke a hole in the center of the disc using your finger. Slowly squeeze the water into the hole until it fills up and closes the hole.
Finally, form the cheese into a ball shape once again, and your Burrata is ready!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you have your fresh Burrata made, it’s time to enjoy it. There are endless ways to serve Burrata, but here are a few of our favorites:
– Caprese Salad: Slice some fresh tomatoes and mozzarella and top with Burrata and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
– Bruschetta: Toast some bread and top with Burrata, diced tomatoes, and fresh basil.
– Pasta: Toss some cooked pasta with Burrata, fresh herbs, and olive oil for a simple and delicious meal.
Important Notes:
– Use high-quality ingredients for the best results.
– Be patient, stretching the cheese takes time and practice.
– Burrata is best enjoyed fresh, so try to make it the day you plan on serving it.
In Conclusion
Making fresh Burrata at home is a fun and rewarding experience for any cheese lover. With a few simple ingredients and equipment, you’ll have delicious homemade Burrata in no time. So, give it a try, and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills!
