Dahi Vada
Dahi Vada, a beloved Indian snack, begins with lentil fritters (vadas) soaked in creamy, sweetened yogurt. These soft vadas absorb the yogurt, creating
a delightful texture. The dish is often garnished with coriander leaves, chaat masala, and a drizzle of tamarind chutney, adding layers of flavor. Regional variations include adding boondi or different spices to the yogurt. It’s a popular choice for celebrations and festive occasions across India, especially in North India.
Shrikhand
Shrikhand, a creamy dessert, is a specialty of Gujarat and Maharashtra. It starts with hung curd, which is yogurt strained to remove whey, resulting in a thick, velvety base. This is then sweetened with sugar, and flavored with cardamom, saffron, and often nuts such as almonds or pistachios. Shrikhand is typically served chilled, making it a refreshing treat, especially during summer months, and it is a staple during weddings and festivals.
Lassi
Lassi is a refreshing yogurt-based drink popular throughout the Indian subcontinent. It's made by blending yogurt with water and often sugar or salt. There are many variations, including sweet lassi, flavored with rose water or fruits like mango, and savory lassi, seasoned with cumin or other spices. Lassi is a versatile drink that offers a cool respite from the heat, enjoyed as a quick meal or a refreshment. It's especially common in Punjab, where it originated, and is now a globally recognized beverage.
Raita
Raita is a versatile yogurt-based side dish, essential in Indian cuisine. It typically involves mixing yogurt with chopped vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, and onions, and seasoned with spices like cumin and coriander. Raita provides a cooling effect, complementing the spicy flavors of the main dishes. It can also include fruits and herbs. It's a common accompaniment to biryanis, parathas, and other rich Indian meals, balancing the flavors.
Dahi Chicken
Dahi Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish where chicken is marinated in a yogurt-based mixture before cooking. The marinade typically includes ginger-garlic paste, spices, and sometimes turmeric. The chicken is cooked until tender and infused with the flavors of the yogurt and spices. This dish is a popular option in many regions of India, especially in North India, and is known for its creamy texture and complex flavors. It can be prepared with or without gravy.
Mishti Doi
Mishti Doi is a sweet yogurt dessert originating from Bengal. It's made by simmering milk with sugar until it thickens, then adding yogurt culture and allowing it to set. The slow cooking process and the addition of sugar give Mishti Doi its unique, caramel-like flavor. It's often set in clay pots, which further enhances the taste and texture. This dessert is a beloved part of Bengali culture, enjoyed as a sweet treat on various occasions.
Mor Kuzhambu
Mor Kuzhambu is a traditional South Indian yogurt-based curry. It's made by blending yogurt with rice flour and spices, then cooking the mixture to a creamy consistency. Vegetables like okra, pumpkin, or ash gourd are often added. The curry is seasoned with tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and chilies. It's a light and flavorful dish, typically served with rice, and is especially popular in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Dahi Baingan
Dahi Baingan features eggplant (baingan) cooked in a yogurt-based sauce. The eggplant is either grilled, fried, or roasted, and then added to a spiced yogurt gravy. This dish is often flavored with ginger, garlic, and other aromatic spices. Dahi Baingan offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors – the creaminess of yogurt contrasted with the slightly charred eggplant. It's a popular side dish, especially in North Indian cuisine.
Dahi Puri
Dahi Puri is a popular street food, especially in Mumbai. It starts with crispy, hollow puri shells filled with a mixture of mashed potatoes, chickpeas, chutneys (tamarind, mint-coriander), and yogurt. The puri is then topped with sev (crispy gram flour noodles) and spices. The combination of textures and flavors, from the crunch of the puri to the creamy yogurt, makes Dahi Puri an explosion of taste. It is a favorite snack, known for its vibrant and refreshing taste.
Mango Lassi
Mango Lassi is a variation of the classic lassi, made with ripe mangoes, yogurt, and sugar. This refreshing drink blends the sweetness of mangoes with the tanginess of yogurt, creating a delicious and cooling beverage. It's often garnished with cardamom or saffron. Mango Lassi is a popular choice during summer months, enjoyed across India and beyond. It provides a perfect blend of flavors and is easy to prepare at home.
Boondi Raita
Boondi Raita is a variation of raita, featuring small, fried gram flour balls known as boondi. The boondi is soaked in yogurt mixed with spices like cumin and coriander. This adds a textural contrast to the creamy yogurt. Boondi Raita is a simple yet flavorful side dish, commonly served with biryani, pulao, or other rich Indian meals. It provides a cool and refreshing counterpoint to spicy dishes.
Butter Milk
Butter Milk, or chaas, is a refreshing yogurt-based drink, especially popular in South India. It’s prepared by diluting yogurt with water and adding spices like ginger, green chilies, and cumin. The mixture is churned until smooth. Buttermilk aids digestion and offers a cooling effect. It's a common beverage, enjoyed throughout the day and particularly after a spicy meal. It is a light, flavorful drink, perfect for hot climates.
