How to make (no-boil) yogurt in your electric pressure cooker

 
I am a bit of an Instant Pot addict - I have 3. Yes, I said THREE!  I have  3 qt that I use exclusively for 'non-smelly' things: potatoes, rice and YOGURT as well as a 6 qt and an 8 qt.  

One thing I love to make in my 3 qt is YOGURT.  Yup, you can make your own yogurt at home and save $$ at the same time.

How do I make yogurt?  First things first - you need to have a pot (IP brand or other) that can make yogurt - there needs to be a YOGURT button on your maker.

You have a YOGURT button?  Good, let's get started.

What you need:
electric pressure cooker with YOGURT function
2L or half gallon of UHT milk (this is important!)
plain/unflavoured yogurt of your choice for a starter
cheesecloth/coffee filters OR Yogurt Straining bag
8.5" mesh strainer
10" bowl
measuring spoon
wire whisk
storage container

What you do
Pour your UHT milk into your pot, whisk in 2 heaping TBSP of your starter.
Place lid on your pot
Set your yogurt function for 8 hours and walk away.
Don't lift the lid, don't peek, just walk away for 8 hours

When your 8 hours is over
Regular thickness yogurt - scoop out/pour your yogurt into your storage container, place in the fridge and you're done - will last 1-2 weeks.

What if I want thick GREEK style yogurt?
Here is where it can get a bit messy.  In order to have a thicker Greek style yogurt, you're going to have to strain it.  I use a YOGURT STRAINING BAG when I make my Greek yogurt.  Don't have a straining bag? It's ok, I'll explain how:
Line a 8.5-9" metal mesh strainer with double/triple layer of cheesecloth or layer coffee filters. Suspend your starter over a 10" bowl, place in the fridge and allow to strain for 1-2 hours.  Check for thickness.  When you've reached your desired thickness, scoop out your strained yogurt into your storage container, place in fridge - use within 1-2 weeks. Discard your used cheesecloth/coffee filters

If you have a straining bag, 
Rather than lining your mesh strainer with cheesecloth/coffee filters, Place the straining bag in my 10" bowl, pour my yogurt into the bag, pull the drawstring tight. I then place the filled bag into the strainer supported over my bowl and place in the fridge. When you've reached your desired thickness, place in your storage container. Will keep for 1-2 weeks.

** if your strained yogurt is TOO THICK, add back in some of the strained liquid (whey) to your desired consistency and stir.

TA- DA you've made your own HOMEMADE yogurt!!

What can I do with the left over liquid (whey)?
Will keep in the fridge, you can use this liquid as a replacement for water in your bread recipes, pour over your pet's kibble, There are lots of uses for it - just Google it!

Buy your straining bag here
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