You may have heard of Indian and Greek yogurt before. Both are great options if you’d like to try a different flavor or texture in your yogurt. But just as they’re different from regular cow’s milk yogurt, they are also different from each other.
Difference between Dahi and Greek Yogurt
Indian yogurt is typically made from cow’s milk or a combination of cow and buffalo milk. It is thicker and creamier than Greek yogurt. Traditional Indian yogurts usually involve a long fermentation process that results in an intense tangy flavor. Greek yogurt is made with strained cow’s milk, resulting in a thick and creamy texture. It is usually unflavored and less sour than Indian yogurt. Overall, the main difference between Indian and Greek yogurts is their texture and flavor and either type can be a healthy choice.
How do they differ in taste and texture?
Indian yogurt tends to have a richer flavor with a slight sweetness, while Greek yogurt has a more tart and tangy flavor. In terms of texture, Indian yogurt is thicker and creamier than Greek yogurt due to the additional fat content in whole milk used to make it. Greek yogurt is usually thinner because some of the milk’s fat has been removed during the straining process.
Greek yogurt is also smoother than Indian yogurt, which is often slightly grainy. Greek yogurt has a more neutral taste, while Indian yogurt may be slightly sweet or sour depending on the fermentation process used to make it.
Indian or Dahi yogurt is much thicker and creamier than Greek yogurt, comparable to sour cream. It has a slightly sour flavor but can also have hints of sweetness depending on the fermentation process used. The milk proteins used in Dahi yogurt are not strained out like they are in Greek yogurt, which gives it a thicker texture. Dahi yogurt is a popular choice for making desserts and savory dishes in Indian cuisine.
Uses for Indian and Greek yogurt
Indian yogurt can be used to make lassis, raitas, and other traditional Indian dishes. It is also a popular choice for desserts such as kulfi or shrikhand. Greek yogurt is often eaten plain with fruit, granola, or honey, but it can also be used in smoothies, dips, sauces, and desserts. Both types of yogurt are used in many savory dishes as well, such as curries, salads, and sandwiches. Both Indian and Greek yogurts can be enjoyed in a variety of ways!
Substitutions for Indian and Greek yogurts
If you don’t have access to traditional Indian or Greek yogurt, some alternatives include regular cow’s milk yogurt, coconut yogurt, almond yogurt, soy yogurt, or goat’s milk yogurt. Depending on the recipe, it is also possible to substitute other dairy products such as ricotta cheese or crème fraîche.
Alternatively, some plant-based options include mashed avocado or silken tofu, which can be used in place of Greek yogurt for recipes such as dips and sauces. So, depending on the recipe and your dietary needs, there are many different substitutions for Indian and Greek yogurts!
Common Recipes for Indian Yogurt
Some of the most popular Indian yogurt recipes include lassi, a creamy drink made with yogurt, water, and spices; raita, a chilled yogurt-based salad often served as an accompaniment to curries; kulfi, an Indian ice cream made with thickened milk and flavored with cardamom and saffron; shrikhand, a sweet yogurt-based dessert; and dahi vada, fried lentil patties soaked in spiced yogurt. These dishes are delicious and easy to make at home!
Here are some more recipes with Indian yogurt:
Soya Chunks
Soya chunks can be added to Indian yogurt for a delicious and nutritious dish. The chunks are cooked in boiling water until they become soft and then mixed with spiced yogurt. This is often served with chapattis or parathas for breakfast or dinner. Soya chunks are a great source of protein and can be flavored with spices to add variety to your meals.
Dahi Kebab
Dahi kebab is a popular Indian snack made with hung yogurt, besan (chickpea flour), spices, and herbs. This mixture is then shaped into round patties and shallow-fried in oil until golden brown. The result is a delicious snack perfect for parties or to accompany drinks. Dahi kebab can also be served with mint chutney or yogurt dip for a flavorful treat!
Dahi Vada
Finally, dahi vada is a popular Indian street food made with deep-fried lentil patties that are soaked in spiced yogurt. This dish can be served as an appetizer, snack, or main course. Dahi vada is usually accompanied by sweet chutney and vegetables such as raw onion and tomato for a tasty combination. Adding Indian yogurt to this dish makes it even more delicious and nutritious!
Both Indian and Greek yogurts are versatile ingredients that can be used in a variety of dishes. There are many alternatives for these types of yogurt, and they can also be substituted with other dairy or plant-based products depending on the recipe. They are both packed with probiotics and have many health benefits. Healthy and delicious options!
