Exploring Regional Variations of Indian Yogurt Recipes: A Delicious Journey

Yogurt is an important staple ingredient in Indian food. It is used in a variety of ways — to tenderize meat, to create a base for curries, to sweeten certain foods, to create buttermilk and to integrate into refreshing drinks.

Indian yogurt, also known as dahi, is similar in some ways to western yogurts but different in many ways as well.

Below, we take a delicious journey with Indian yogurt to see how it’s used in Indian cuisine.

Exploring Regional Variations of Indian Yogurt Recipes: A Delicious Journey

Definition and origins of Dahi

Dahi is a traditional fermented dairy product that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It’s believed that the word “dahi” may have derived from the Sanskrit word “dadhi,” which translates to “sour milk” or “fermented milk.”

It’s a staple product that’s used in many dishes such as Raita, Kadhi, Dahi Vada and curries. As mentioned before, it’s also used to create refreshing and hydrating drinks on scorching hot days, and to tenderize meat.

Health benefits of Dahi

Dahi is an amazing product. In addition to creating dishes that are delicious, it also has many health benefits. Dahi is a good source of protein and calcium, for instance.

As a fermented product, it also contains live bacteria known as probiotics that help to improve digestion while also boosting the immune system. In this vein, consuming dahi is a great way to improve gut healthy.

It’s also a healthy option for those who are watching their weight, as it’s low in calories and fat while also being very filling.

Exploring Regional Variations of Indian Yogurt Recipes: A Delicious Journey

Types of Milk Used in Indian Yogurt Recipes

Indian yogurt can actually be made by a few different types of milk. Each is used in different applications to create different desired results.

Whole milk is the most traditional choice for making Dahi, as it provides a rich and creamy texture. It’s higher in fat and calories than other options, but is also rich in essential nutrients such as calcium and protein.

Another option for Dahi is buffalo milk. Like whole milk, it is higher in fat and calories, rich in protein and calium, and is known for its creamy and thick texture.

If you’re looking for a thicker curd, you could also opt for hot milk, which produces a thicker and creamier. To create Dahi this way, you will heat the milk to a higher temperature before you add your starter culture. This process can be used no matter what type of milk you use to make your Dahi.

Regional Variations of Indian Yogurt Recipes

Just like other aspects of Indian cuisine, there are many regional variations of Indian yogurt recipes. 

North Indian recipes: creamy and sweet

North Indian recipes often use whole milk or buffalo milk so they can create a Dahi that’s both creamy and sweet. Many North Indian Dahi recipes commonly use flavors such as nuts, saffron and cardamom.

 

Exploring Regional Variations of Indian Yogurt Recipes: A Delicious Journey

South Indian recipes: tangy and spicy

Many recipes in South Indian will use a combination of whole milk and yogurt to create a Dahi that’s tangy and spicy. Many South Indian Dahi recipes will commonly use chilli peppers, coriander and cumin to achieve this desired flavor profile.

East Indian recipes: unique flavor profiles

In East India, recipes will use a similar combination of whole milk and yogurt to create a unique flavor profile. East Indian Dahi recipes often use flavors such as coriander, cumin and mustard seeds — all of which give it a very unique taste.

West Indian recipes: coconut-based and refreshing

The Dahi that’s created in West Indian recipes will often use coconut milk instead of whole milk. Recipes for Dahi there are refreshing and creamy by incorporating flavors such as nuts, cardamom and coconut.

Comparing Indian Yogurt to Other Types of Yogurt

Indian yogurt is a foreign product to many people in the western world. A good way to understand what it’s all about is to compare it to a product that is familiar — Greek yogurt.

Greek yogurt is a commercialized product that’s made from milk that’s been heat treated to kill any live bacteria that’s present.

By contrast, Dahi is a traditional yogurt from India made from goat milk, buffalo milk or cow’s milk. It’s not heat-treated and therefore contains live bacteria that’s good for gut health.

Making and Using Indian Yogurt

There are many ways that you can making Indian yogurt at home and use it in various recipes. 

A basic recipe involves bringing milk to a boil, letting the temperature of the liquid cool to warm, and then adding a starter culture. Once this has been achieved, you should mix it well, pour it into a container, cover it with a cloth and let it set in a warm place.

To achieve the right consistency, use whole milk or full fat milk for a Dahi that’s creamier and thicker. One of the keys to making Dahi is to ensure that you add the starter culture when the milk is warm but not boiling hot. Then, let the Dahi sit in a warm place for several hours, or overnight, before using.

Once your Dahi is ready, you can use it in popular Indian recipes such as Cucumber Raita. This popular Indian condiment is made by combining Dahi with cucumber, mint and various spices, and is often served with spicy curry dishes to help offset the heat.

You can think of it as the Indian version of ranch or blue cheese dressing that’s served alongside spicy chicken wings.

Conclusion

Indian yogurt, or Dahi, is an amazing product. It’s a traditional fermented dairy product that provides many health benefits in addition to being rich and delicious. 

It’s a staple food product in Indian cuisine and is used in various dishes such as Raita, Kadhi, Dahi Vada and many curries.

One of the best parts about Dahi is that you can experiment with different types of milk such as buffalo or coconut milk, as well as various herbs and spices to create unique flavor profiles. 

You can try using Dahi in many new recipes, including desserts and smoothies. It will add a tangy and creamy texture to dishes that’s likely to please anyone.

Prep time
7-8
Hours
Cook time
11-15
Minutes
Serves
4
servings
Desi Fresh Foods - Dahi Toast prepared
Prep time
21-25
Minutes
Cook time
11-15
Minutes
Serves
4
servings
Prep time
11-15
Minutes
Cook time
11-15
Minutes
Serves
4
servings