Latvian Midsummer Cheese

Posted on by Ilze

The scent of blooming meadows, bonfires waiting to be lit, flower crowns drying on the table, and songs quietly echoing from a speaker in the kitchen… It’s almost Jāņi, and we’re getting ready in the most traditional way we know.

One of the first things on my list each year is Jāņu siers – that golden, spiced caraway cheese that instantly tastes like summer solstice. It takes time, patience, and a lot of milk, but it’s worth every stir. I made a big batch today, just like my grandmother used to do. The smell of warm milk and caraway filled the house, and it finally feels like the Midsummer spirit has arrived.

Latvian Midsummer Cheese (Jāņu siers)

Latvian Midsummer Cheese (Jāņu siers) Ingredients

  • 1 kg pressed cottage cheese or farmer’s cheese (approx. 4 cups), finely ground through a meat grinder or with a KitchenAid grinder attachment
  • 5 liters (20 cups) whole milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 3.5 tablespoons butter
  • 3.5 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2-3 teaspoons caraway seeds (or to taste)

Recipe Directions:

  1. Heat the milk in a large pot until it nearly boils.
  2. In a bowl beat eggs with sour cream, salt and caraway seeds.
  3. Add the cheese and stir gently. Cook on medium heat until the curds separate from the whey (about 10–15 minutes).
  4. Drain through cheesecloth (soaked in cold water) or a sieve. Let the excess liquid drip, but don’t squeeze the curds too dry.
  5. Return the curds to the pot with melted butter. Slowly stire in egg mixture.
  6. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and pulls away from the pot (10–15 minutes).
  7. Transfer to a buttered bowl or deep plate. Shape the cheese, wrap in cheesecloth, and press with a weight.
  8. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 6–8 hours or overnight before serving.

Whether you’re preparing for a big Līgo celebration with friends or just want to bring some solstice magic into your kitchen, I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it brought us today.

Lai lustīga līgošana!
Ilze

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21 thoughts on “Latvian Midsummer Cheese”

            1. That’s interesting! I just can’t get into the Christmas spirit without snow — or at least some cozy romantic movies with snowy scenes. I bet it feels completely different for you!

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                    1. Oh, I didn’t know that! It’s interesting! Thank you for sharing! Greetings from Europe 🙂 Are you in New Zealand for good? Do you miss the cold Christmas? A lot of questions 🙂 Maybe you want to participate in my “From followers to Friends”?

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