Indulge in the rich cultural heritage of Finland with Viili, a creamy and probiotic-rich dairy delight that has been cherished for generations. This traditional fermented milk product boasts a velvety texture and a subtly tangy flavor profile, making it a beloved staple in Finnish households.

In this immersive exploration, uncover the secrets behind Viili's centuries-old production methods, where milk is carefully cultured with specific strains of bacteria to achieve its unique consistency and taste. Learn about the intricate process of nurturing Viili's distinctive rope-like texture, which adds an extra dimension of enjoyment to each spoonful.

Discover the health benefits attributed to Viili, as its probiotic properties are believed to promote gut health and boost immunity. Delve into the culinary versatility of this Finnish delicacy, whether enjoyed simply with a drizzle of honey or incorporated into a variety of recipes, from refreshing smoothies to creamy desserts.

Join us on a journey through Finland's culinary heritage as we celebrate the timeless allure of Viili—a symbol of tradition, taste, and wholesome nourishment.

Ingredients:

• 1 liter (4 cups) whole milk
• 1 packet Viili starter culture (available in specialty stores or online)
• Sugar or berries (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1- Heat the milk: Pour the whole milk into a saucepan and heat it over medium heat until it reaches about 95°C (200°F). This step helps to sterilize the milk and improve the texture of the final Viili.

2- Cool the milk: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the milk to cool down to around 43-46°C (110-115°F). You can speed up the cooling process by placing the saucepan in a cold water bath.

3- Add the Viili starter culture: Once the milk has reached the desired temperature, sprinkle the Viili starter culture over the surface of the milk and gently stir it in. Make sure the culture is well distributed throughout the milk.

4- Incubate the mixture: Pour the milk into a clean glass or ceramic container suitable for fermentation. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent contaminants from entering.

5- Keep the Viili warm: Place the container in a warm spot with a temperature between 20-24°C (68-75°F) for the fermentation process to occur. This can be in a warm corner of your kitchen or near a heating source.

6- Wait for fermentation: Allow the Viili to ferment undisturbed for 12-24 hours, depending on your desired level of tanginess and thickness. During this time, the milk will thicken and develop its characteristic texture.

7- Check for readiness: After the fermentation period, gently tilt the container to check if the Viili has set. It should have a gel-like consistency with a slightly ropey texture.

8- Chill the Viili: Once the Viili has reached the desired consistency, transfer it to the refrigerator to cool and set further. This will also slow down the fermentation process.

9- Serve and enjoy: Serve the chilled Viili as a dessert, either plain or with a sprinkle of sugar or fresh berries for added sweetness and flavor. Stir gently before serving to maintain its creamy texture.

10- Store any leftover Viili in the refrigerator and consume within a few days for the best taste and quality.

Enjoy this delightful Finnish Viili as a creamy and probiotic-rich dessert, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings while promoting gut health!

Nutritional Values:

Whole Milk (per 1 cup / 240ml):

• Calories: 149 kcal
• Protein: 7.7g
• Fat: 7.9g
• Carbohydrates: 11.7g
• Sugars: 12.8g
• Calcium: 276mg

benefits

• Provides essential nutrients such as protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals.
• Excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in calcium, promoting strong bones and teeth.
• Contains vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium and supports immune function.
• Supplies fats for energy and fat-soluble vitamins absorption.
• Contains lactose, a natural sugar providing energy.
• Contributes to the creamy texture and rich flavor of the Viili.

Viili Starter Culture (per packet):

• Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific brand or type of starter culture used. Generally, starter cultures for fermented dairy products like Viili do not contribute significantly to the nutritional content of the final product.

benefits

• Contains beneficial bacteria strains such as Lactococcus lactis and Leuconostoc mesenteroides.
• These bacteria cultures ferment the milk, converting lactose into lactic acid, which gives Viili its tangy flavor.
• Probiotic bacteria promote gut health by maintaining a healthy balance of gut microbiota.
• Supports digestion and may improve lactose digestion for individuals with lactose intolerance.
• May boost immunity by enhancing the gut's defense against harmful pathogens.
• Contributes to the fermentation process, thickening the milk and creating Viili's characteristic texture.

Nutritional values for sugar or berries added as optional toppings are not included as they can vary widely depending on the type and amount used. However, it's important to note that adding sugar or berries will increase the calorie and carbohydrate content of the dessert.

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, specific ingredients used, and preparation methods. If you require precise nutritional information, it's best to refer to the nutrition labels on the packaging of the ingredients you use.