This simple and unique homemade butter recipe involves adding butter to milk and using a few basic ingredients to create a delicious spread. Follow these steps to make your own butter at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 liter whole milk
- 80 grams unsalted margarine
- Juice of half a lime
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
Equipment:
- 500 milliliter mason jar
- Medium saucepan
- Tablecloth
- Cloth strainer
- Tall glass
- Hand blender
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Milk and Margarine Mixture:
- Add Milk to Jar: Pour 200 milliliters of whole milk into a 500 milliliter mason jar.
- Prepare the Saucepan: Place a tablecloth at the bottom of a medium saucepan and fill it with water halfway up the sides of the mason jar. This helps to cushion the jar and prevent it from breaking during the heating process.
- Heat the Mixture: Place the mason jar in the saucepan filled with water. Heat until the water begins to boil.
- Add Margarine: Add 80 grams of unsalted margarine to the mason jar. Allow the margarine to melt and mix with the milk.
2. Cook and Mix:
- Transfer and Heat Again: Carefully transfer the milk and margarine mixture back to the mason jar if it was removed, then place the jar back into the boiling water.
- Add Lime Juice: Pour the juice of half a lime into the jar. The acidity will help to separate the butterfat from the buttermilk.
- Stir and Heat: Continue to heat and gently stir the mixture until it thickens slightly.
3. Strain and Rest:
- Strain the Mixture: Pour the thickened mixture through a cloth strainer into a bowl. Allow the mixture to rest for two hours. This resting period helps to separate the butterfat from the liquid.
- Collect the Butterfat: After the resting period, remove the butterfat from the strainer and transfer it to a tall glass.
4. Final Mixing:
- Season the Butter: Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar to the butterfat in the tall glass.
- Blend: Use a hand blender to beat the mixture until it is smooth and creamy. This step ensures that the butter is well combined and has a consistent texture.
5. Serve:
- Spread and Enjoy: Your homemade butter is now ready to be spread on bread or used in your favorite recipes. Enjoy the fresh and creamy taste of homemade butter!
Cooking Notes:
- Temperature Control: Ensure the water does not boil too vigorously when heating the mason jar, as this could cause the jar to break.
- Straining: Use a fine cloth strainer to effectively separate the butterfat from the liquid. Cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel works well.
- Storage: Store the homemade butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use salted margarine? Yes, but if you use salted margarine, reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the butter too salty.
2. Can I use lemon juice instead of lime juice? Yes, lemon juice can be used as a substitute for lime juice. The acidity helps to separate the butterfat from the liquid.
3. How do I know when the mixture is ready to be strained? The mixture is ready to be strained when it has thickened slightly and you can see the separation of butterfat and liquid.
4. Can I add other flavors to the butter? Yes, you can add herbs, garlic, or other flavorings to the butter during the final mixing step for a flavored butter.
5. What can I do with the leftover liquid? The leftover liquid is buttermilk, which can be used in baking recipes or as a marinade for meats.
This homemade butter recipe is a delightful and simple way to create fresh, creamy butter using basic ingredients. It’s a fun and rewarding process that results in a delicious spread perfect for bread, cooking, and baking.
Try making this homemade butter recipe at home and let us know how it turns out! If you enjoy easy and unique recipes, leave a comment saying “I love homemade recipes” and share this with your friends and family. Happy cooking!
Enjoy making and indulging in this fresh and delicious homemade butter!