10 Ideas with Yogurt

It's not just good to eat—it's good for you, too! Here are 10 different ways to enjoy creamy, healthy, and delicious yogurt.

1. PB&J yogurt parfaits
Warm peanut butter in a microwave until spreadable. Swirl dollops of peanut butter and your choice of jam in plain or Greek yogurt. In a tall glass, add a layer of crushed graham crackers or granola. Add a layer of the peanut butter and jam-swirled yogurt. Repeat, alternating layers, until glass is full. Top with chopped nuts.

2. Peppery yogurt marinade
Yogurt is great in marinades because the lactic acid helps tenderize meat. Chop up some garlic, add ground spices (try chili powder or cayenne pepper), some lemon juice, and mix with plain yogurt. Use with beef, chicken, or fish.

3. Breakfast-to-go
Inspired by Ina Garten, we came up with this delicious recipe for a citrusy morning delight. Mix the zest of one orange with 1 (350-gram) tub Greek yogurt. Chill until ready to use. In a small saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups orange juice to a boil. Add 1 cup dried cranberries and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes; drain. In a large bowl, mix cranberries, 1 Granny Smith apple (grated with skin on), and 3/4 cup toasted walnuts together with orange-infused Greek yogurt. Add honey to taste. Serves 4.

4. Tzatziki
To make this popular Greek appetizer and sauce, line a strainer or sieve with cheesecloth or a coffee filter and strain plain yogurt for 2 hours. In a food processor, combine strained yogurt with finely diced cucumbers, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, and minced garlic. Chill and serve. Our favorite accompaniment? Pita chips!

5. Pancake play
Using a pancake mix? Add yogurt instead of milk to make 'em light and oh so tasty. It'll also add a slight tang that'll complement sweet toppings or syrup.

6. Chicken and vegetable yogurt curry
In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon canola oil. Add 1 (50-gram) pack yellow curry paste; toast until fragrant. Add 1/2 cup coconut milk and stir, scraping up the brown bits at the bottom of the pan. Add 2 to 3 cups chopped vegetables (we used squash, potatoes, carrots, and cauliflower) and 1 cup water; cook for 5 minutes. Add 250 grams chicken fillets (chopped into bite-size pieces) and 1 cup plain yogurt; mix well. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked and vegetables are fork tender. Serves 3 to 4.

7. Fruit salad with minted yogurt dressing
Mix chopped fruit of your choice and yogurt. Add chopped fresh mint or a tablespoon or two of light coconut milk for an interesting taste. Chill until ready to serve.

8. Spicy tomato yogurt soup
Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil and sauté 1 red onion (sliced) until translucent. Add 1 carrot (cubed) and 2 stalks celery (chopped); cook for 3 minutes. Add 1 (400-gram) can diced tomatoes with lime and cilantro (we used Rotel), and 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Add 1 cup canned corn kernels, 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or to taste), 3/4 cup plain yogurt; mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Serves 4.

9. Bake a cake
How do you make sure your baked goods come out moist? Sub yogurt for some of the milk! For a berry-banana bread, use mixed berry yogurt and add blueberries and mashed bananas to the batter.

10. Mango lassi
The refreshing Indian concoction is so easy to make, there's no excuse not to try it. First, make buttermilk by combining 1 tablespoon vinegar and enough milk to make 1 cup; let stand for 5 minutes. In a blender, pour in buttermilk, 1/2 cup plain yogurt, and the flesh from 2 large, ripe mangoes (chopped). Add honey or sugar to taste, together with a dash for cinnamon. Blend until smooth. Makes 3 to 4 glasses.


source:yummy.ph