Yogurt
Also called plain yogurt
Yogurt is tangy from lactic acid, which tenderizes meat and cools spice.
Flavor profile
Aroma: tangy, creamy, fresh
Good to know
Origin: Central Asia and the Middle East
Forms: plain, Greek, strained
Storage: Refrigerate sealed and use by the date; liquid on top is whey and can be stirred in.
How to use yogurt
Marinate
Mild acid and calcium in yogurt soften meat in a few hours without turning it mushy like strong acids do.
Stir in off heat
Warm gradually or add off heat so proteins don't split into curds.
What goes with yogurt
- Cucumber. Yogurt's tanginess contrasts cucumber’s fresh crunch.
- Mint. Mint’s coolness heightens yogurt’s tangy creaminess.
- Chicken thigh. Yogurt's lactic acid gently tenderizes chicken thigh and its fat tempers spice.
- Lamb Shoulder. Yogurt's lactic acid tenderizes lamb and tames its gamey edge in marinades.
- Oats. Yogurt's tang and cream soften oats overnight.
- Cumin. Cool, tangy yogurt balances cumin's earthiness and mellows its bitterness.
- Honey. Honey’s sweetness balances yogurt’s natural tartness.
- Dill. Dill's herbal notes highlight yogurt’s tang.
- Saffron. Yogurt’s tangy creaminess softens saffron’s floral notes.
- Banana. Yogurt's tangy acidity cuts through banana's sweetness, lightening the palate.
Mistakes to avoid
- Boiling yogurt straight in a sauce, which curdles it.
- Using sweetened yogurt in savory dishes.
Ideas for tonight
- Mix with cumin, lime and salt as a sauce.
- Marinate chicken thighs overnight with garlic.
- Spoon over spicy rice to cool it down.
Yogurt: questions
What does yogurt taste like?
Yogurt is tangy from lactic acid, which tenderizes meat and cools spice., with an aroma that is tangy, creamy, fresh.
What goes well with yogurt?
Yogurt pairs best with cucumber, mint, chicken thigh, lamb shoulder, oats. Yogurt's tanginess contrasts cucumber’s fresh crunch.
How do you use yogurt in cooking?
Marinate: mild acid and calcium in yogurt soften meat in a few hours without turning it mushy like strong acids do.
How should you store yogurt?
Refrigerate sealed and use by the date; liquid on top is whey and can be stirred in.
What is the most common mistake with yogurt?
Boiling yogurt straight in a sauce, which curdles it.
