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Yogurt

Eggs & dairy · Yoghurt & cultured

Yogurt

Milk thickened and soured by live cultures; eaten plain, in marinades, raitas, dips, baking and drinks.

Also called: yoghurt, plain yogurt, curd, dahi, natural yogurt

Around the world: yoğurt (tr) · dahi (hi) · laban (ar)

152 recipes with it

Photo: Rainer Zenz, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-3.0)

What it is

Plain yogurt (dahi or curd in South Asia, laban in Arabic) is milk fermented with lactic acid bacteria until it sets into a soft, tangy gel. It is thinner and looser than strained Greek yogurt or labneh. Recipes mean unsweetened, unflavoured whole-milk yogurt unless stated.

How it’s used

  • Marinating chicken and lamb for tandoori and kebabs
  • Raita, tzatziki and cacık
  • Enriching curries and kormas
  • Lassi, ayran and other drinks
  • Moist cakes and flatbread doughs

Characteristics

Taste
Clean and tangy, mildly creamy.
Texture
Soft-set and spoonable, thinner than strained yogurt.
When cooked
Splits when boiled or added cold to a very hot pan; whisk smooth, temper with a little hot sauce, and add gradually over low heat. Its acid and enzymes tenderise meat in marinades.
Sold as
fermented
Cooking uses
Usually eaten raw, Commonly cooked, Suitable for baking

Kinds in our pantry

Storage

Refrigerated. Keep chilled and sealed; a little watery whey on top is normal and can be stirred back in. Discard if mould appears or it smells yeasty.

Diet, allergens and safety

Contains Milk.

  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Dairy-free
  • Egg-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Nut-free
  • Soy-free
  • Caffeine-free
  • Contains milk (allergen).

Nutrition per 100 g

Energy
61 kcal
Protein
3.47 g
Carbohydrate
4.66 g
Fat
3.25 g
Fibre
0 g
Sugars
4.66 g

USDA FoodData Central: Yogurt, plain, whole milk.

Substitutes

Optional — what works if you don’t have it, and how it changes the dish.

  • Greek yogurt — Thin with a little milk or water to match plain yogurt.
  • Buttermilk — In baking and marinades; thinner, so reduce other liquid.
  • Sour cream — Richer and less sharp; fine in dips and cakes.

Related ingredients

Recipes with yogurt

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