Suero
Venezuelan Fermented Whey
Suero is a traditional Venezuelan fermented milk drink, specifically the whey separated from curdled milk. It's a tangy, slightly salty, and probiotic beverage with roots in Andean culinary traditions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 liters Whole fresh milk(Use good quality, unpasteurized or minimally processed milk for best fermentation results. Avoid ultra-high temperature (UHT) pasteurized milk as it may not ferment properly.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt(Or to taste. Fine sea salt or kosher salt is recommended.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pour the fresh milk into a clean, non-reactive container (glass or ceramic is ideal). Cover loosely with a lid or cheesecloth secured with a rubber band to allow air circulation while keeping contaminants out.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Leave the milk at room temperature (ideally between 20-25°C or 68-77°F) for 24 to 48 hours. The exact time will depend on the ambient temperature and the milk's natural bacteria. You'll know it's ready when the milk has thickened to a yogurt-like consistency and smells distinctly sour and tangy.
⏱️ 24-48 hours - 3
Once the milk has curdled and soured, gently stir in the salt. This helps to draw out more whey and adds flavor.
⏱️ 1 minute - 4
Line a fine-mesh sieve with cheesecloth (doubled up if the mesh is very large). Place the sieve over a clean bowl or pitcher.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Carefully pour the curdled milk mixture into the cheesecloth-lined sieve. Allow the liquid (the suero) to drip into the bowl below. This process can take several hours. You can gently press the curds to extract more liquid, but avoid squeezing too hard if you want a clearer suero.
⏱️ 2-4 hours - 6
Discard the curds (or save them for other uses like making quesillo or ricotta). Transfer the collected suero to a clean, airtight container. Season with additional salt if desired.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The longer the fermentation, the tangier the suero will be.
- ✓For a richer suero, use whole milk. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat milk.
- ✓Ensure your container and utensils are very clean to prevent unwanted bacterial growth.
- ✓Serve chilled, perhaps with a splash of lime juice or a pinch of herbs.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey for a slightly sweeter profile.
- Incorporate finely chopped herbs like cilantro or mint for added freshness.
- Blend with a small amount of the separated curds for a creamier, thicker drink.