Ayib (Ethiopian Cottage Cheese)
Ayib is a fresh, mild Ethiopian cheese similar to cottage cheese or farmer's cheese. It's traditionally made from soured milk and often served alongside spicy stews to provide a cooling contrast. This recipe uses readily available ingredients to create a delicious and authentic-tasting Ayib.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 1 hr 30 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Per serving
- 165 kcal
Allergen information: may contain milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
- 960 mlwhole milk
- 120 mlplain yogurt
- 0.5 tspsalt(optional)
Equipment
saucepan · cheesecloth · large bowl · colander
The method
Step by step
- 1
Pour the whole milk into a medium saucepan and heat over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Watch closely to prevent the milk from boiling over.
- 2
Bring the milk to a rolling boil. Once boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat immediately.
About 5 min
- 3
Stir in the plain yogurt. The milk will begin to curdle.
About 1 min
- 4
Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 15-20 minutes, allowing the curds to fully separate from the whey.
About 15 min
Cook’s note: The longer it sits, the more firm the curds will become.
- 5
Line a colander with cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel and place it over a large bowl to catch the whey.
About 1 min
- 6
Carefully pour the curds and whey into the lined colander.
About 1 min
- 7
Gather the edges of the cheesecloth and gently squeeze to remove excess whey. Be careful not to squeeze too hard, or the cheese will become too dry.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: You can reserve the whey for other uses, such as baking or making smoothies.
- 8
Tie the cheesecloth into a bundle and hang it over the sink or a bowl, or place it in the colander with a weight on top, allowing it to drain for at least 30-60 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency.
About 30 min
Cook’s note: For a firmer cheese, drain longer. For a softer, more spreadable consistency, drain for less time.
- 9
Transfer the Ayib to a bowl, break it up with a fork, and stir in the salt if using.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Taste and adjust salt to your preference.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 164.7kcal
- Protein
- 8.7g
- Carbs
- 12.7g
- Fat
- 8.9g
- Sugar
- 12.7g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store Ayib in an airtight container in the refrigerator.