Every culture throughout the world uses certain “staple” ingredients across many of their dishes. These staples often reflect the flavor and history of the culture, and are often versatile enough to be used in sweet and savory dishes all the same.
In Indian cuisine, one of these staple ingredients is dahi. Also known as yogurt, it is used in various dishes, from snacks, to curries, to smoothies, to desserts.
While similar in name to the commercial yogurt that you may find in traditional American grocery stores, it is extremely unique and very different in many ways. It’s a fermented milk product, which means it contains beneficial probiotics that many commercialized yogurts do not.
It also has a creamy texture and tangy flavor at the same time, which makes it ideal for many different types of recipes.
Not only that, but the fermentation process and the fact that it’s traditionally made from cow’s milk results in dahi being a rich source of protein and calcium. That’s why it’s valued as a nutritious addition to almost any meal.
Let’s talk more about the wonders of dahi and how it’s used throughout Indian cuisine.
Essential Spices for Dahi Recipes
As mentioned before, dahi is an extremely versatile ingredient. It can be eaten plain, of course, but many things are often added to it to take it to the next level.
In Indian cuisine, dahi is often paired with different spices to give dishes a unique and sometimes surprising flavor and color.
Some examples of this include …
- Turmeric powder: This gives it a slightly bitter flavor and adds a bright yellow color to dishes.
- Cumin seeds: This gives it an earthy flavor that’s very warm.
- Red chili powder: If you’re looking for a spicy kick to a dish, this is a great option.
- Garam masala: This classic Indian blend of different ground spices adds an aromatic flavor that’s quite complex.
- Coriander powder: This adds a warm flavor as well that’s also slightly sweet.
Popular Dahi Recipes
If you’re new to dahi, or Indian cuisine in general, the simple fact that yogurt is so versatile can actually be a little overwhelming since there are so many choices. A good place to start, then, is with three basic popular recipes in Indian cuisine.
The first is known as Dahi Kabab.
This is a vegetarian patty that is made with gram flour, curd and different spices. You can either air fry the patty, bake it or shallow fry it in oil. To balance out the tang in the yogurt, and to add more texture to the dish, you can also add crumbled paneer.
Once it’s cooked, this dish pairs well with a side of green chutney, mint chutney or coriander chutney.
A second great option is known as Kadhi.
This yogurt-based curry is traditionally made with besan (also known as gram flour) and different spices. Many people who prepare this dish prefer a tangy flavor, and therefore use sour yogurt.
Some great additives for extra flavor include lots of ginger and garlic.
Once prepared, Kadhi is typically served with a side of rice.
A third recipe to try is called Dahi Bhindi.
This dish, very popular in Northern India, is made with fried okra that’s simmered in a tangy and spiced yogurt curry. The basic spices that are used in this dish include turmeric powder, coriander and cumin.
To avoid having the dahi curdle, make sure to add the whisked yogurt carefully when making the dish.
It’s best served alongside jeera rice or hot chapatis.
Cooking with Dahi: Tips and Tricks
If you’re cooking with dahi, there are some tips and tricks that you should follow to ensure you get the best results. This is especially important when you are making kadhi, which can be a little temperamental at times.
First, make sure that the yogurt you are using is room temperature. This will prevent the Kadhi from splitting when you are making it. As mentioned, it’s also essential to whisk the yogurt well before you add it to the batter, and do so slowly when you do.
Kadhi can also be prone to splitting if you add salt too early in the cooking process. As you’re making the kadhi, ensure that you are stirring it constantly until it comes to a full boil. This will also prevent it from splitting.
Of course, it’s always important to use a good, quality dahi ke kabab recipe so that you can achieve the best results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It can be easy to make mistakes when you’re cooking with dahi, especially if you’re new to working with the ingredient.
It’s always important to taste the dahi that you intend to use before adding it to a dish. For example, if you use sour yogurt that is just too sour, it could make your entire dish unpalatable.
To avoid having a lumpy texture in your dishes, make sure that you always whisk the yogurt well. You can always use water to thin out the yogurt if you believe the dish is too thick, but if you add too much, it can easily become too thin.
Remember, you can always add more water, but you can’t take any out. So, if you’re trying to thin out your dish, add water slowly, a little bit at a time.
For Dahi Bhindi, make sure that you cook the okra properly. If you don’t, it can easily become slimy, which is not at all pleasant.
Serving Suggestions
Almost as important as the dish itself is what you are serving it with. The accompaniments are often what makes or breaks a dish, so ensure that you are serving each main dish you prepare with something complementary and fantastic.
If you are new to these dishes, make sure to follow a recipe that is well-reviewed so that you can get the best results.
Punjabi Kadhi Pakora is best served with steamed rice or jeera rice. Dahi Kabab is best served with a side of coriander chutney, mint chutney or green chutney. And Dahi Bhindi is best served with hot chapatis or jeera rice
Discover the Deliciousness, Versatility and Nutritiousness of Dahi
Dahi is a staple ingredient in Indian cuisine that is extremely versatile. It can be used in a variety of ways and in a variety of dishes to add levels of flavor, texture and nutrition.
By adding the right spices and following the right techniques, you can create delicious and authentic Indian recipes from the comfort of your own home. As with any cooking, experiment with different recipes and ingredients to find your favorite way to cook with dahi.
Remember that cooking at home and trying new things should be fun, enjoyable and customized to your liking. So, try working with dahi, and discover what an amazing ingredient it is.
