Making homemade condensed milk is a straightforward process that requires just two main ingredients: milk and sugar. Here’s a simple recipe to help you prepare your own homemade condensed milk:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
Instructions:
- Combine Milk and Sugar:
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour in the 2 cups of whole milk.
- Add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the milk.
- Heat the Mixture:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the milk-sugar mixture constantly to dissolve the sugar. Stirring prevents the sugar from sticking to the bottom and burning.
- Bring to a Simmer:
- Continue heating and stirring until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. You’ll see small bubbles forming along the edges of the pan.
- Reduce Heat:
- Once the mixture reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to low. You want to maintain a gentle simmer throughout the cooking process.
- Simmer and Stir:
- Let the mixture simmer on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Use a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula to keep the mixture moving.
- Reduce and Thicken:
- Simmer the mixture for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has reduced by about half. The goal is to remove a significant amount of moisture from the milk, which will result in a thick and concentrated consistency.
- Check the Consistency:
- To check the consistency, dip a spoon into the mixture and let it cool slightly. Condensed milk should coat the back of the spoon and slowly drip off. It will thicken more as it cools.
- Cool and Store:
- Once the mixture has reached the desired consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Transfer to a Jar:
- Carefully pour the homemade condensed milk into a clean and dry glass jar or container. Seal the jar with a lid.
- Cool Completely:
- Allow the condensed milk to cool completely at room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator. This will help it thicken even more as it cools.
Your homemade condensed milk is now ready to use in your favorite recipes! Remember to store it in the refrigerator, where it can last for several weeks. Keep in mind that the homemade version might have a slightly different flavor and color compared to store-bought condensed milk due to the caramelization of the sugar during the cooking process.
