If you culture yogurt regularly, you may have an idea of its versatility. Did you know that yogurt can be used in baked goods and other recipes? The properties of yogurt make it ideal to use in a variety of ways.
ACIDITY
The natural lactic acid present gives yogurt its characteristic tang, which is helpful in recipes that call for vinegar or buttermilk.
FAT CONTENT
Because yogurt made from whole or 2% milk contains some fat, yogurt can add richness to a recipe or substitute for another fat ingredient.
PROTEIN CONTENT
Be cautious when substituting yogurt for sour cream. Sour cream in a cooked recipe almost never curdles because it contains mostly fat, with very little protein. Yogurt may curdle if cooked too long or at too high a temperature, due to the higher protein content.
BENEFICIAL BACTERIA
Yogurt contains beneficial bacteria, which can help to break down or predigest different ingredient or foods. Once cooked, the bacteria will be killed.
HOW TO USE YOGURT IN RECIPES
- Substitute it for buttermilk in any recipe.
- Use yogurt to soak flour or grain overnight, before cooking or baking.
- Use it as a salad dressing. Because of the acidity and fat content, yogurt makes a great salad dressing on its own or with a simple addition of garlic, herbs, or spices.
- Use it as a marinade. Yogurt can be used to tenderize and flavor meat. Or dip chicken in yogurt before breading it, for a juicier piece of fried chicken. Click to know more about yogurt marinade for chicken.
- Use it in frozen treats. Yogurt can be substituted for milk in frozen recipes like ice cream, popsicles, and smoothies.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Try some of our favorite recipes featuring homemade yogurt!
