Vietnamese yogurt, also known as “Sữa chua,” is a delightful and creamy dessert enjoyed by many in Vietnam. It’s slightly different from Western-style yogurt, as it’s typically sweetened and often served with a drizzle of condensed milk on top. Here’s a simple recipe to make this dessert at home.
1. How To Make Vietnamese Yogurt
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk (you can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free version)
- 2-3 tablespoons plain yogurt with live active cultures (as a starter)
- 3-4 tablespoons sugar (adjust to your desired level of sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for flavor)
Instructions
In a saucepan, heat the whole milk over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching.
Once the milk reaches a simmer, turn off the heat and let it cool to lukewarm temperature. You should be able to comfortably dip your finger into the milk without burning yourself.
In a separate bowl, combine the plain yogurt with a small amount of the warm milk from the saucepan. Mix well to ensure the yogurt is smoothly incorporated. This will act as your starter culture.
Pour the yogurt starter mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the warm milk. Stir well to evenly distribute the yogurt starter.
Add sugar to the milk mixture and stir until it’s fully dissolved. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste preferences.
Optional: Add vanilla extract to the mixture for extra flavor. This step is entirely optional but adds a lovely touch to the Vietnamese yogurt.
Pour the milk mixture into clean, sterilized glass jars or containers with lids. Cover the containers and place them in a warm spot. You can use a yogurt maker, an oven with the light on, or simply wrap the containers in towels to maintain warmth.
Let the yogurt sit undisturbed for about 6 to 8 hours or until it thickens and sets. The longer it sits, the tangier and thicker the yogurt will become.
Once the yogurt has reached the desired consistency, refrigerate it for a few hours before serving.
When ready to serve, you can enjoy the Vietnamese yogurt as it is or drizzle some condensed milk or honey on top for added sweetness.
Feel free to experiment with different sweeteners and flavorings to make the Vietnamese yogurt uniquely yours. Homemade Vietnamese yogurt is a creamy and refreshing treat that pairs wonderfully with fresh fruits, granola, or as a standalone dessert. Enjoy!
