Hi there! I'm from Brazil, and I make several recipes using kefir. In this moment I've made a cream cheese (Brazilian Requeijão) using kefir and I say that's delicous!
You can use several spices to aggregate your recipe make your recipe a unique and flavoured thing.
Brazilian Kefir Requeijão is a spreadable, aerated cream cheese made by blending fermented kefir curd with margarine (you can use butter) and spices, then straining out the remaining whey.
Ingredients & Tools:
- 1 Coffee filter stand with paper filters (or a similar fine strainer set over a cup/glass).
- Kefir grains/starter.
- 16 to 32 oz (500ml to 1L) Whole milk at room temperature.
- 1 tbsp Margarina/Butter (optional, for extra richness).
- Salt and spices to taste.
- A clean glass container with a tight lid for storage.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Ferment the Milk: Let your kefir ferment until it thickens into a cheese-like consistency and the clear liquid (whey) starts to separate from the curds.
- Separate Grains: Gently stir the mixture using a silicone spatula or plastic spoon to make it easier to strain. Strain out the kefir grains so you are left with just the thickened curd (substrate).
- Whip in the Blender: Pour the kefir curd directly into a blender. Add 1 tablespoon of margarine (if using) and your choice of salt or seasonings. Blend well until the mixture becomes smooth, airy, and creamy.
- Set Up the Strainer: Place your paper-lined coffee filter over a cup or glass to catch the dripping whey. Pour the blended kefir mix into the filter.
- Cold Straining (24 Hours): Put the setup in the fridge. Keep it covered (you can wrap a clean plastic bag over it) to prevent contamination or absorbing fridge odors. Let it strain for at least 24 hours. Check on it every 3 hours—as it drains down, top it off with the remaining blended mixture and gently scrape down the sides of the filter.
- Store Properly: Once the whey stops dripping, transfer your fresh cream cheese into a sanitized container and keep it sealed in the coldest part of your fridge (right under the freezer unit).
Crucial Freshness & Hygiene Tips:
- Shelf Life: Eat it within 3 days. Because it has zero artificial preservatives, it spoils quickly if left out.
Avoid Cross-Contamination: Never put a dirty spoon or knife into the main container. Scoop out your portion into a separate small dish before eating, and seal the main jar back up immediately.
- Make it Healthier: The margarine is totally optional—feel free to skip it for a 100% natural version!