10 Ideas

Editorial assistant Chino L. Cruz inspires you to turn staples into creative dishes

YOGURT

This tart dairy staple is for more than just breakfast! Here are a few tips and recipe ideas to help you turn that tub of yogurt into a fast and easy treat.

1Do as the Indians do: Make your very own tandoori-inspired yogurt marinade for chicken! Using yogurt as the base for marinades helps break down protein and keeps meat tender. Mix a tub of plain yogurt with a good pinch or two of salt, a teaspoon of chili powder (use tablespoon of your favorite curry powder. Let the chicken soak in the tasty mix before grilling.

2If you have a tendency to over-whip whipped cream, turn to yogurt for a little bit of help. Adding a tablespoon of yogurt to cream before whipping it helps to strengthen the cream’s structure never curdle your cream ever again.

3With just a little bit of salt and quite a bit of patience, you can transform plain old yogurt into classic Mediterranean cheese called labneh. To make it, lightly season plain yogurt with salt, place on a double layer of cheesecloth, tie it onto a wooden spoon, and let it hang over a bowl full of water and a bag full of tasty, creamy cheese. It’s best served with warm pita bread.

4If a baking recipe calls for buttermilk, but you don’t have it great substitute because of its acidity and fat content. If your yogurt is a bit thick for the batter, halve the amount and thin it out with an equal portion of milk. 5 Eating the same old yogurt cup for breakfast again? Jazz things up by making a nutty yogurt and oat drink. Toss a banana, some yogurt, a handful of rolled oats, a drizzle of honey, and a good splash of milk into a blender and blitz until smooth. Breakfast has never been quicker!

6By adding it to a classic dessert like panna cotta, yogurt can make for an indulgent sweet treat. All you have to do is heat up equal parts of yogurt and whole milk, sweeten the mixture with honey, and sprinkle in a few teaspoons letting the mixture chill in single serve ramekins. As soon as the puddings are set—with the slightest wobble in the center—they’re done!

7For those who aren’t fans of mayonnaise, turn to yogurt for the perfect zesty substitute to keep plain yogurt seasoned with a touch of salt to go inside your sammies, but if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, try adding fresh green herbs and a splash of hot sauce or a good squeeze of citrus juice for added depth.

8Make fro-yo at home! Take equal parts of sweetened whipped cream, yogurt, and fruit purée (we like with plastic wrap and freeze for at least six hours. Scoop like you would ice cream!

Cool as a cucumber

Need something to go alongside spicy homemade curry? Make a cucumber raita to help calm the heat. All you have to do is grate a medium cucumber and squeeze out any excess liquid, then add a generous spoonful of Greek yogurt, loads of chopped garlic, a splash of extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of salt

10 Believe it or not, you don’t need special equipment to make yogurt. To start your very own yogurt milk three-fourths of the way up, then top up with store-bought plain yogurt. Leave it in a warm place to ferment overnight. day. As soon as it’s thickened, make sure to keep your yogurt in a sealed plastic use the newest batch to keep replenishing your supply! Easy, right?