Ayib
Ethiopian Fresh Cheese
Ayib is a traditional Ethiopian fresh cheese, known for its mild, slightly tangy flavor and crumbly texture. It's often compared to a very fresh, unsalted farmer's cheese or a mild cottage cheese. Ayib serves as a cooling contrast to the rich, spicy flavors of many Ethiopian stews.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 liters Whole milk(Using whole milk will yield the creamiest and richest ayib. Avoid ultra-pasteurized (UHT) milk, as it can be more difficult to curdle.)
- 60 ml Lemon juice or plain yogurt(Lemon juice provides a brighter tang, while yogurt offers a milder, more complex sourness. You can also use white vinegar. The amount may vary slightly depending on the milk.)
- 0.5 tsp Salt(Adjust to taste. You can omit salt entirely if you prefer a completely neutral cheese to accompany very spicy dishes.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat the milk: Pour the whole milk into a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Heat the milk over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching, until it reaches a gentle simmer. Look for small bubbles forming around the edges and steam rising. Do not let it come to a rolling boil.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 2
Add the acid and curdle: Remove the pot from the heat. Slowly drizzle in the lemon juice (or yogurt/vinegar) while gently stirring. Continue to stir for about 30 seconds to a minute. You should see the milk begin to separate into white curds and yellowish whey. If it doesn't separate well, add a little more acid, a tablespoon at a time, until it does.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Strain the curds: Line a colander with several layers of cheesecloth (or a clean, thin kitchen towel). Place the colander over a large bowl or sink. Carefully pour the curdled milk mixture into the cheesecloth. Allow the whey to drain away. Gather the corners of the cheesecloth and tie them securely to form a bundle. Hang the bundle over the bowl or sink to continue draining for at least 2 hours, or until the cheese reaches your desired consistency. For a firmer cheese, you can gently press the bundle.
⏱️ 2 hours - 4
Season and serve: Once drained, untie the cheesecloth and transfer the ayib to a clean bowl. Crumble the cheese with a fork. Stir in the salt to taste. The ayib is now ready to serve. It has a delicate, crumbly texture and a mild, fresh flavor.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ayib is best served fresh. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- ✓Its mildness makes it an excellent palate cleanser and a perfect accompaniment to spicy Ethiopian dishes like Doro Wat or Misir Wat.
- ✓Serve it alongside injera, the traditional Ethiopian sourdough flatbread.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Herbed Ayib: Gently fold in finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or mint after seasoning.
- Creamier Ayib: Reduce the draining time or stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or milk after crumbling for a richer, creamier texture.