Rustic Cheese, Olive Oil & Time
Handmade ladotyri is sheep’s milk cheese gently drained, sun-dried, then submerged in extra virgin olive oil — its texture firming and its flavor ripening into something smoky, tangy, and deeply Mediterranean.
Ingredients
- 4 liters of sheep’s milk
- 1 teaspoon liquid rennet
- 3 teaspoons water
- Oregano (to season the cheese)
Instructions
- Heat the Milk:
Warm the milk to 35–38°C (95–100°F). Mix the water with the rennet and pour it into the milk. Stir gently and cover the pot with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest for 4–6 hours until the milk sets and cools. - Cut the Curd:
Once set, cut the curd into small cubes using a knife directly in the pot. - Drain the Curd:
Place a cheesecloth (or touloupani) in a large bowl and pour in the curd mixture. Tie the cheesecloth tightly and hang it in a cool place to drain for about 24 hours. - Prepare the Cheese:
After 24 hours, remove the cheese from the cloth and cut it into 2 cm (1-inch) cubes. - Dry the Cheese:
Salt the cheese cubes and place them on a perforated surface or rack. Cover them with a cheesecloth or netting to protect them from insects.- If sunny weather: Dry the cheese in the sun for 2 days (one day on each side).
- In summer: Dry for 1 day, flipping the cheese halfway through.
- Preserve in Oil:
Once slightly hardened, place the cheese cubes in a clean jar. Sprinkle oregano over the cheese and cover completely with high-quality olive oil. - Let It Mature:
Allow the cheese to rest in the oil for 2 weeks to develop its flavor. - Storage:
Since the cheese is preserved in oil, it does not need to be refrigerated and can be stored at room temperature.
Layers of Flavor & Heritage
This cheese carries the aroma of oregano, the richness of sheep’s milk, and the mellow heat of curing — preserved in oil to capture all those tastes and seal in tradition.
From Village Jar to Table Spread
Ideal for slicing onto fresh bread, crumbling over roasted veggies, or pairing with olives — ladotyri in olive oil is as at home in rustic tavernas as it is on your charcuterie board.
A Taste of Greek Tradition!
Handmade ladotyri is more than just cheese; it’s a piece of Greek heritage. Its rich, creamy texture paired with the aromatic touch of oregano and olive oil is sure to transport you straight to a sunny village in Greece. Enjoy it with fresh bread or a glass of wine for the ultimate Mediterranean experience.
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