As you well know, I love to make as many dairy products as I can from what milk our cows give us. That's why I have a milk fridge and why I've learned how to culture our own products.
Next up - sour cream. It's the best topping for tacos, casseroles, eggs, you name it. Even by the spoon. Why not?
Yes, you can make sour cream without added cultures if using raw milk. However, my crew didn't like how strong tasting it was, and I was constantly told it wasn't thick enough. I ended up using it up in baking, every. dang. time.
I discovered the trick to making a THICK and tangy yet not too zingy sour cream, just like my family was used to from the store.
How to Make Sour Cream
Ingredients
- 1 quart heavy cream skimmed from raw milk or pasteurized cream from store
- 2 teaspoons gelatin
- ¼ teaspoon mesophyllic culture I've had good success with aby2c yogurt culture too!
Instructions
- Stir cream and gelatin together and let sit a few minutes.
- Warm to 90-95F, then sprinkle mesophyllic culture over the cream and let sit a few minutes to rehydrate.
- Whisk it in, pour into a jar (i like to rinse jar i used to scoop cream into with hot water to warm it up). Put a lid on and wrap with a tea towel. Tuck somewhere warm (i like beside stove) and let sit 24-36 hrs.
- To know if its done, gently tip it on its side, does it look like its thickening up? If so, move to fridge. If not, leave another 6-12 hrs and check again.
- When its chilled, it will have thickened up more and be PERFECT for all your sour cream needs!
Notes
- Make this to your desired thickness - incubation time is anywhere from 24-36 hours depending on your preference.
Nutrition
Like yogurt, sour cream is a cultured product, meaning it can be low in lactose so that you might tolerate it even if you can't drink straight cow's milk. Give it a try if you're feeling adventurous.
Jaclyn
So yummy! I am super particular about my sour cream and this is by far my favorite way to make it at home!
Jennifer Jo
Do you notice that the cream separates even more from the milk while it's incubating on the counter? I'm making it today and I can see a separation in the jar --- about an inch of milk on the bottom. Should I ignore it? Shake it?
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Hi Jennifer, sorry for the delayed reply, I thought I already sent the information to you. Kate said the milk is what 'came along' when you strained off the cream. She usually uses it in baking, kind of like yogurt.
Kelsey
Any idea how long it lasts if using raw cream? Thanks!
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I'd say you have a week for sure.
Michelle
Can I used a spoonful to culture the next batch like with cheese?
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Yes you can but it's not as consistent.
Melissa Jircitano
Have you ever tried using flora Danica for this? Thanks
Dee Porter
I have not tried using that before!