Basic Homemade Yogurt

In my non-veg days I used to eat yogurt all the time.  I really like it, but haven't been able to find a good non-dairy brand that either a) tastes good or b) doesn't contain some form of preservative.   Unfortunately, this recipe doesn't contain all the live cultures that are good for you that regular yogurt contains, but it comes in handy when you want a quick yogurt fix and don't have any in the house.  It also works well in recipes that call for baking with yogurt.


This recipe is adapted from The Complete Guide to Vegan Food Substitutions.  

Basic Homemade Yogurt

Ingredients

*1 cup light (or full-fat) coconut milk

1 tbsp lemon juice

2 tbsp maple syrup

2 tbsp cornstarch

1 tsp vanilla extract, optional

Fresh fruit, optional

*I used light coconut milk


Directions:

Combine milk and lemon juice in a medium bowl, let curdle for 2 minutes.  Add maple syrup, cornstarch & vanilla extract (if using vanilla).   

Blend ingredients for 1 minute using an immersion blender (I don't have one so I used a regular blender)

Heat in microwave for 2 minutes keeping a close eye to make sure the mixture doesn't bubble up.  Blend again.

Heat in microwave for 2 minutes, then blend again or stir with a spoon.

Heat for 1 more minute, the mixture will begin to resemble thin pudding.  Stir in optional fruit.


Store in fridge for up to one hour to thicken.  Stir again before eating.

This tastes just like vanilla yogurt you buy from the store (the dairy version).  In particular, it reminds me of the Stoneyfield brand that I used to eat.   I would imagine that it would taste more like plain yogurt if you don't add the vanilla extract.  I'm sure it would be great with some fruit too, or whatever goodies you'd like to add!