Category: Cheesemaking -

Moroccan Fresh Cheese Recipe (Jben)     

Ingredients:
1 liter whole or semi-skimmed milk
1 liter cultured buttermilk
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp dried thyme, oregano or other herbs optional

Preparation:
Pour the buttermilk in a large bowl.

In a saucepan, add the whole milk or semi-skimmed milk, the salt, and heat until barely a simmer (when you start seeing small bubbles on the top).

Add the hot milk to the buttermilk and gently mix with a wooden spoon. Add the herbs and aromatics if desired.

Let the mixture cool down for about 2 hours. You will see it start separating which is a good indicator that the chemistry is working.

Pour the mixture in a strainer to get rid of the liquid.

Place the strainer (with the strained mixture) on top of a large bowl. Keep the mixture in the strainer and cover it with a cheesecloth on top of which you can place a heavy plate or bowl to add weight and complete the straining process. Let strain for 12 hours or overnight.

Moroccan Jben cheese is delicious on fresh bread with a drizzle of honey.

Date added: 2026-02-04
Number of visits: 124