Coconut Yogurt/Buttermilk

I’ve started making my own vegan yogurt, cause why not? But really because there is all kinds of stuff in store bought yogurt that I simply don’t want to put in my body as regularly as I eat the stuff. Not that it is soooo awful, it’s just the less preservatives and processed stuff I eat, the better I feel. So I opt to make my own, cause the instant pot makes it nice and simple!

This recipe is in fact a two-for, you can make both coconut buttermilk or coconut yogurt. The difference is one ingredient, Agar-Agar! The yogurt requires a thickening agent in order to give it the yogurt-y texture and agar-agar achieves that. Other wise you end up with a thicker fermented coconut milk. Both are useful, just for different things!

I like the “buttermilk” for baking, sauces, and smoothies. Alternatively, the yogurt is better for dips, mixing in for “creaminess, and eating straight. So here you can get the best of both, depending on what you’re going for!

Some tips before you have at it:

• In order to avoid other types of cultures clean the instant pot VERY well before making yogurt. You may want to run a “cleaning cycle” with some water and vinegar before starting. To do this mix 1/2 cup of vinegar with 1/2 cup of water in the instant pot. Pressure cook on high for 15 minutes
• Do not over culture. I made this mistake the first time. It was a disaster and I was very sad. I find that 8 hours does the trick, but if you’re willing to chance it you could do up to 12 hours.
• I recommend starting this in the morning so that it will have time to set in the fridge for 12 hours and be ready for breakfast the following day.
• You can also get agar-agar in flake and brick form. If using the bring, break it up in a food processor before until it becomes flaky and treat as flakes.

Ingredients

• 2 14oz cans coconut milk
• 1 1/2 tsp Agar-Agar Powder (2 tbsp. Agar-Agar flakes)- if making yogurt
• 1 cup of old coconut yogurt OR
• 1 14 oz can coconut cream plus enough probiotic capsules to achieve 50 billion live active cultures
• Flavorings such as sweeteners, vanilla, fruit, chocolate, or other extracts

Instructions:

1. Heat agar-agar and coconut milk in a microwave safe bowl until it simmers, place this in the instant pot
2. Place yogurt (or cream + capsules) plus any flavorings in the instant pot
3. Close the instant pot and press the yogurt button. Set to normal for 8 hours.
4. Once the fermentation is finished, divide the yogurt between very clean jars and leave to set in the fridge over night (at least 12 hours)
5. Eat any and all the ways you please!

Enjoy!