Well, I've gone and done it again. I finally made something that I failed at several times before finally figuring it out. Woohoo! I made sour cream at home. This was so satisfying because I'd tried several times and just thought that I wasn't 'good' at making sour cream, but it appears I hadn't found the right method just yet! Sour cream is one of the many things that are allowed on the GAPS protocol but must be made at home. There are only a few things that you can buy ready-made when you are doing the GAPS diet. Sour cream is, unfortunately, not one of them.
Why Make Sour Cream at Home?
Making sour cream at home is - in a word - awesome. It's also infinitely more delicious than what you buy at the store. It's rich and creamy and filled with beneficial bacteria. Many who are on GAPS or who are not able to tolerate dairy are able to tolerate homemade dairy while on GAPS. Homemade dairy products on GAPS require a longer process (24 hour ferment) which eliminates the lactose that many find problematic.
This process was incredibly easy and does not require any special equipment. If you have a clean glass jar and an oven, you need just two ingredients and then you can make the best sour cream you've ever tasted right in your own kitchen.
Many Ways to Sour Cream
In my quest to make sour cream at home, I discovered that there are numerous ways to ferment sour cream. You can buy a starter from a store or online. I've also seen recipes that include vinegar and/or lemon juice and milk. This particular recipe couldn't be easier. It is simply two ingredients and you will have thick and creamy sour cream. All you need is yogurt (homemade or store bought) and heavy cream. That's it!
How to Make Homemade Sour Cream
500 ml or 2 cups of heavy cream (preferably organic)
15 grams or 1 tbs of yogurt (preferably organic)
Pour the cream into a clean, glass jar. Add the yogurt. Stir thoroughly. Place in an oven at 30 degrees Celsius or 85 degrees Fahrenheit for 24 hours. Store in the refrigerator.
This is hands down the most delicious sour cream I've ever tasted. It's so thick and rich and is delicious on so many dishes. In addition to its deliciousness, you are profiting from all those beneficial bacteria that you helped to cultivate. I'll share soon a quick and easy dip that you can make with your own sour cream.
If you try this recipe, please let me know how it turns out! I'd love to see it. Feel free to tag me at @consciouslivingtoday on Instagram or on Facebook if you happen to give it a go.