Curds & Whey – for Canadian Poutine

May 11, 2023May 11, 20230 0

Curds & Whey - for Canadian Poutine

by The Chefin Side

Prep

10 min

Cook

30 min

Ready In

40 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

	12 cups fresh water
	6 cups instant dry milk powder
	1 - 1 1/2 cup white vinegar
	1/2 teaspoon salt

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Varies

Calories

112 per 1 serving (1 oz)

Sugar

Fat

Cheese curds are a staple ingredient in Canadian cuisine, where they are a key component of the popular dish poutine. Made by curdling milk and separating the solids from the whey, cheese curds have a distinctive rubbery texture and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with rich, savory dishes. While cheese curds can be purchased pre-made, making your own curds allows you to control the quality and freshness of the final product. Whether enjoyed on their own or used in a recipe, homemade cheese curds are a delicious addition to any cheese lover's repertoire.

Instructions

1.	In a large pot, bring 12 cups of fresh water to a boil.
2.	Add 6 cups of instant dry milk powder to the pot. Whisk the milk powder into the water until it is dissolved.
3.	Remove the pot from heat and let it rest for 15 minutes.
4.	Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the pot and stir.
5.	Slowly pour 1 cup of white vinegar into the pot while gently stirring. The milk will begin to curdle and separate into solids (the curds) and liquid (the whey).
6.	If the milk hasn't completely separated, add another 1/4 cup of white vinegar.
7.	Let the mixture rest for 10-15 minutes until the curds have completely separated from the whey.
8.	Using a slotted spoon, gently scoop the curds into a colander or cheesecloth-lined strainer. Drain excess liquid.
9.	Rinse the curds with cold water to remove any vinegar taste. Store the curds in the refrigerator until ready to use.

PROS

Freshly made curds have a unique, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with poutine or other dishes calling for cheese curds.

Making your own curds allows for greater control over the quality and freshness of the final product.

CONS

Making cheese curds can be a time-consuming process and requires specific ingredients and equipment.

The curds are not as versatile as other cheeses, as their unique texture and flavor make them best-suited for specific recipes.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While cheese curds are not particularly nutritious, they do contain calcium, which is important for bone health.
When made from skim milk or low-fat milk, cheese curds are lower in calories and fat than traditional cheeses.