Wara

Name: Wara
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: West African
Ingredients: 8 cups whole milk; 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, strained; 1 tsp fine sea salt; 1/4 cup vegetable oil

A traditional West African fresh cheese made from curdled milk, pressed into shape, and fried until golden brown on the outside.

40 minMediumServes 4220 cal/serving

West AfricanAppetizerStovetopVegetarianHigh ProteinLow CarbHalal-friendlyKosher-styleGluten-FreeNut-FreeSoy-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeSesame-FreePork-FreeLow-SodiumAlcohol-FreeNightshade-Free

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Ingredients

8 cups whole milk
1/4 cup fresh lime juice, strained
1 tsp fine sea salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Instructions

1

Pour 8 cups whole milk into a large pot and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
2

Slowly stir in 1/4 cup strained fresh lime juice and reduce heat to low, letting curds separate from whey for 5 minutes.
3

Remove pot from heat and stir in 1 tsp fine sea salt.
4

Line a colander with cheesecloth and pour curds into it, allowing whey to drain completely.
5

Press cheesecloth tightly around curds to press out excess moisture and shape into a firm block.
6

Slice the cheese into bite-sized cubes.
7

Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
8

Fry cheese cubes for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.

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Questions

How do I know when Wara is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 8: cook until golden brown.

Can I make Wara dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Wara is 8 cups whole milk. Swap the milk for unsweetened oat or soy milk. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Is Wara vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 8 cups whole milk. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan appetizer collection.

How much protein is in Wara?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) has 12 g of protein in about 220 calories, alongside 5 g carbohydrate and 17 g fat, plus 300 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list. More like it: the high-protein appetizer collection.

How long does Wara keep?

Refrigerate what is left of Wara within two hours and eat it within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Serve it with

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