Indulge in the rich cultural heritage of Georgia with Georgia Matsoni, a time-honored delight cherished for generations. Crafted through age-old techniques, this traditional Georgian yogurt embodies the essence of authenticity and purity. Known for its velvety texture and distinct tangy flavor, Georgia Matsoni captivates palates worldwide with its unparalleled taste and nutritional richness. Whether enjoyed plain or blended with fruits and honey, each spoonful of Georgia Matsoni transports you to the picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture of Georgia. Elevate your culinary experience and embrace tradition with Georgia Matsoni, where every bite tells a story of heritage and passion.

Ingredients:

• 1 quart (946 ml) of whole milk (preferably organic)
• 2 tablespoons of plain Matsoni yogurt (store-bought or from a previous batch)

Equipment:

• Saucepan
• Thermometer
• Whisk
• Glass jars with lids
• Warm place for fermentation (like an oven with the light on or a yogurt maker)

Instructions:

1- Heat the Milk: Pour the whole milk into a saucepan and heat it gently over medium heat. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature. Heat the milk until it reaches around 180°F (82°C). This process helps to denature the proteins in the milk, which aids in achieving the desired texture of Matsoni.

2- Cool the Milk: Once the milk reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool down to around 115°F (46°C). Cooling the milk is important because if it's too hot, it can kill the yogurt cultures.

3- Inoculate with Starter: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of plain Matsoni yogurt with a small amount of the cooled milk. Whisk this mixture until it's smooth and fully incorporated.

4- Combine Milk and Starter: Pour the remaining cooled milk into the bowl containing the yogurt starter mixture. Whisk gently to combine thoroughly.

5- Transfer to Jars: Pour the milk mixture into clean glass jars and cover them with lids.

6- Fermentation: Place the jars in a warm location for fermentation. Ideally, the temperature should be around 75-85°F (24-29°C). You can use an oven with the light on, a yogurt maker, or any other warm spot in your kitchen. Allow the Matsoni to ferment for about 12-24 hours, depending on your desired level of tanginess and thickness.

7- Check for Doneness: After the fermentation period, check the Matsoni for the desired consistency and taste. It should have thickened and developed a tangy flavor similar to yogurt.

8- Refrigerate: Once the Matsoni reaches your desired taste and consistency, refrigerate it to halt the fermentation process and chill it before serving.

9- Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy your homemade Georgia Matsoni plain, or with toppings such as fresh fruits, nuts, or honey.

Note: You can reserve a small amount of the finished Matsoni to use as a starter for your next batch. Simply store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to make another batch.

Nutritional Values :

Whole Milk (1 quart or 946 ml):

• Calories: 600
• Total Fat: 32 grams
• Saturated Fat: 20 grams
• Cholesterol: 120 milligrams
• Sodium: 400 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: 48 grams
• Sugars: 48 grams
• Protein: 32 grams
• Calcium: 1100 milligrams
• Vitamin D: 300 IU

benefits

• Provides a good source of calcium, essential for bone health.
• Contains high-quality protein, which is important for muscle growth and repair.
• Supplies essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and potassium.
• Offers healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health.
• Provides carbohydrates for energy.

Plain Matsoni Yogurt (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 30
• Total Fat: 2 grams
• Saturated Fat: 1 gram
• Cholesterol: 10 milligrams
• Sodium: 25 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: 1 gram
• Sugars: 1 gram
• Protein: 2 grams
• Calcium: 80 milligrams

benefits

• Contains probiotics, beneficial bacteria that support gut health and digestion.
• Rich in protein, which helps with satiety and muscle maintenance.
• Provides calcium for strong bones and teeth.
• Low in sugar, making it a suitable option for those watching their sugar intake.
• May help regulate cholesterol levels and support immune function.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brand of ingredients used. Additionally, the fermentation process of making Matsoni may alter the nutritional content slightly.