How to Make Sour Cream

Sour cream is considered to be an important ingredient that enhances the flavor of many dishes, especially the Mexican ones. This article gives you different ways of making sour cream.

Sour cream is usually made by mixing cream with an ingredient that contains lactic acid bacteria. The bacterial fermentation that occurs when this is done, makes the cream thick as well as sour in taste. Sour cream which is high in fats (contains 12% to 16% butterfat) are easily available in the market as many companies manufacture it. However, gelatin, guar, artificial acids, etc., are also added to make the commercial product have a longer shelf life. The inclusion of these ingredients not only increases the fat content, but also may not be suitable for people who have allergies to any of the ingredients. Hence, the best option will be to make the homemade version. It is not only easy to make, but also can be altered according to your needs.

Making Sour Cream at Home

Sour Cream from Milk

Ingredients

• Skim milk, 2 tbsp.
• Low fat cottage cheese, 8 oz.
• Lemon juice, 2 tbsp.

Directions
In an electric blender, take milk, cottage cheese, and lemon juice together. Blend all these ingredients on a medium speed until the mixture achieves a smooth texture. When this is done, transfer into another jar and refrigerate till the time of use. This is the fastest way of making sour cream i.e., if you do not have the time for keeping the sour cream for fermentation.

Sour Cream from Buttermilk

Ingredients

• Buttermilk, 3 tbsp.
• Light cream, 2 cups
• Canning jar

Directions
The first step to make sour cream with buttermilk will be to sterilize the canning jar in boiling water. Once the jar is sterilized, take cream in it. Make sure that the jar is sufficiently hot. Add buttermilk to the cream and close the lid tightly. Once you have closed the lid of the jar, shake it vigorously to mix both the ingredients completely. Leave the jar at room temperature for 24 – 48 hours or till the mixture thickens. When it reaches the desired thickness, store it in the refrigerator till the time of serving.

Sour Cream from Yogurt

Ingredients

• Plain yogurt, 16 oz.
• Juice of ½ a lemon

Directions
Place yogurt on a fine mesh kitchen sieve and keep it in a bowl. Take a plastic wrap and cover the bowl completely. Keep the bowl in the refrigerator and chill it overnight. In the morning, unwrap the plastic wrap and you will see a thick substance on the sieve. Transfer into a clean bowl and throw off the liquid that drained into the bowl. Add the lemon juice into the thick yogurt and whisk vigorously. You can add a little hot water to attain the desired thickness. When the mixture becomes thick, wrap the bowl with a plastic wrap again and place it in the refrigerator for two hours.

Making Sour Cream Sauce

Ingredients

• Sour cream, 8 oz.
• Green chilies, ¼ cup (minced)
• Salt, 1 tsp.
• Black pepper, ½ tsp.
• Green onion, ¼ (minced)
• Cayenne pepper, ¼ tsp.

Directions
Take sour cream in a small-sized mixing bowl and add minced green onions and chillies to it. This should be followed by black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix well and pour the sauce in a container that has a tight fitting lid. Refrigerate the jar for a few hours and serve with baked potatoes, tacos, or burritos.

Making Sour Cream Dip

Ingredients

• Sour cream, 8 oz.
• Mayonnaise, 8 oz.
• Dill weed, 3 tsp.
• Onion, minced, 2 tbsp.
• Parsley flakes, 2 tbsp.
• Salt to taste

Directions
In a mixing bowl, take sour cream and combine it with mayonnaise. Stir till both are completely blended. Add minced onion and parsley to this mixture, followed by dill weed. Add salt and stir again. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for two hours. Garnish it with parsley and serve.

Sour cream is easy to make and will help in adding a little zest to your delicious dishes. So, try to make one of these recipes and enjoy with your favorite dishes.

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