Discovering Amasi Yogurt: A Delicious South African Treat
Cesar Chien
Amasi Drinking Yoghurt Fair Cape Dairies from www.faircape.com
Introduction
If you've never heard of amasi yogurt, you're in for a treat! Amasi is a traditional South African yogurt that has been enjoyed for centuries. It's made by fermenting cow's milk, and it has a tangy, slightly sour taste that is similar to buttermilk. Amasi is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes, from savory dishes to sweet desserts. In this article, we'll explore the world of amasi yogurt and share some delicious recipes that you can try at home.
Ingredient
To make amasi yogurt, you'll need the following ingredients: - 1 liter of full-fat cow's milk - 2 tablespoons of amasi yogurt (or any other yogurt with live cultures) That's it! You don't need any special equipment or ingredients to make amasi yogurt. It's a simple, fuss-free recipe that can be made in your own kitchen.
Instructions
Here's how to make amasi yogurt: 1. Heat the milk in a large pot until it reaches a temperature of 85°C. This will kill any harmful bacteria that may be present in the milk. 2. Allow the milk to cool to a temperature of 45°C. 3. Add 2 tablespoons of amasi yogurt (or any other yogurt with live cultures) to the milk and stir well. 4. Cover the pot with a lid and wrap it in a thick towel or blanket to keep it warm. 5. Leave the pot in a warm place for 12-24 hours. The longer you leave it, the thicker and tangier the yogurt will be. 6. After 12-24 hours, remove the pot from the warm place and refrigerate the yogurt for at least 4 hours. 7. Once the yogurt is chilled, it's ready to use or eat!
Nutrition
Amasi yogurt is a nutritious food that is packed with vitamins and minerals. It's an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. It also contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help to support a healthy gut microbiome. Amasi yogurt is also a good source of protein, which is important for building and repairing tissues in the body.
Recipes
Now that you know how to make amasi yogurt, let's explore some delicious recipes that you can try at home. From savory dips to sweet desserts, there's something for everyone.
Amasi Dip
This creamy dip is perfect for snacking on with fresh vegetables or crackers. Ingredients: - 1 cup of amasi yogurt - 1/2 cup of sour cream - 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley - 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh chives - Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: 1. In a mixing bowl, combine the amasi yogurt and sour cream. 2. Add the chopped parsley and chives and mix well. 3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 4. Serve with fresh vegetables or crackers.
Amasi Chicken Curry
This fragrant curry is full of flavor and perfect for a cozy dinner. Ingredients: - 500g of boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 onion, chopped - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 tablespoon of grated ginger - 1 tablespoon of curry powder - 1 teaspoon of ground cumin - 1 teaspoon of ground coriander - 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric - 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper - 1 can of chopped tomatoes - 1 cup of amasi yogurt - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh coriander for garnish Instructions: 1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. 2. Heat some oil in a large pot and add the chopped onion. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent. 3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute. 4. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until it's browned on all sides. 5. Add the curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper to the pot and stir well. 6. Add the can of chopped tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. 7. Cover the pot and let the curry simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. 8. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the amasi yogurt. 9. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 10. Serve the curry with rice or naan bread and garnish with fresh coriander.
Amasi Cheesecake
This creamy cheesecake is a delicious way to use up leftover amasi yogurt. Ingredients: For the crust: - 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs - 1/4 cup of sugar - 1/2 cup of melted butter For the filling: - 3 packages of cream cheese, softened - 1 cup of sugar - 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract - 4 eggs - 1 cup of amasi yogurt Instructions: 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. 2. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. 3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. 4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, or until it's lightly browned. 5. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until it's smooth. 6. Add the sugar and vanilla extract and beat until well combined. 7. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until the mixture is smooth. 8. Stir in the amasi yogurt and mix well. 9. Pour the filling into the springform pan and smooth out the top. 10. Bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the center is set. 11. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. 12. Once the cheesecake is cooled, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours before serving.
Conclusion
Amasi yogurt is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. Whether you're making a savory dip or a sweet dessert, amasi yogurt adds a tangy, slightly sour flavor that is sure to please. Try making your own amasi yogurt at home and experiment with different recipes to discover your favorite way to enjoy this traditional South African treat.