The creme fraiche is a traditional French cream that can be accompanied with your favorite dishes, as a sauce or as a garnish, or substituted for other ingredients in many recipes, to enrich its texture. If purchased ready-made or eaten at a restaurant, creme fraiche can be expensive, so why not try making it at home with a few simple ingredients?
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Making a Simple Creme Fraiche
Step 1. Pour 240ml of cream into a jar with a lid
If you prefer, you can replace the cream with yogurt, knowing that the result will be slightly more liquid than traditional creme fraiche.
Step 2. Add a tablespoon of buttermilk
Close the jar with the lid and shake it vigorously for about 15 - 20 seconds.
Step 3. Place the jar on the windowsill
The cream will need to rest for 24 hours for it to transform. During this waiting period, mix once or twice.
Step 4. Mix the thickened creme fraiche
After the necessary time the cream should have reached a thick consistency and should stick to the spoon. Chill it in the refrigerator for six hours before serving.
Step 5. Serve and enjoy your creme fraiche
You can keep it for 7-10 days before you need to throw it away. Store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container.
Method 2 of 3: Variations of Creme Fraiche
Step 1. Make the sweet creme fraiche
Add a tablespoon or two of powdered sugar to taste and mix carefully. If you like, add a teaspoon of vanilla as well.
Step 2. Assemble your creme fraiche
Use an electric or hand whisk to whip the creme fraiche. It should become soft and airy, but not as firm as the classic whipped cream.
Step 3. Try the herb creme fraiche
Add chives and tarragon and season with lemon juice, salt and pepper. This savory version of creme fraiche is perfect to accompany meat.
Step 4. Use a mixture of cream and milk and add a tablespoon of whipped yogurt
Store it at around 30-35 ° C for 6-8 hours to thicken it.
Method 3 of 3: Cooking with Creme Fraiche
Step 1. Try scrambled eggs with creme fraiche
For an even lighter and creamier dish, add one or two tablespoons of cream to the eggs and stir before cooking over low heat.
Step 2. Use it to prepare your soups
Enrich your vegetable soups with a small amount of creme fraiche. They will take on a denser consistency and a slightly more intense flavor.
Step 3. Make a creamy mashed potato
After boiling and mashing the potatoes, mix them with 120 ml of creme fraiche and a few flakes of butter. Blend the ingredients to obtain a creamy and light purée, perfect for a delicious side dish.
Step 4. Serve the creme fraiche as a dessert, accompanying it with grilled fruit
Choose a fruit you like, such as peaches or apricots, and grill it after dusting it with brown sugar. Serve it garnished with a puff of fraiche.
Advice
- The creme fraiche will thicken faster if kept in a warm place, if your home is cold you will have to extend the waiting time.
- In many recipes, you can replace sour cream with creme fraiche.
