Creamy Yogurt Recipes

THICK, CREAMY HOMEMADE YOGURT

Steps:

• Bring the milk to 190 degrees over medium heat, remove from the heat and allow the milk to cool to 110 degrees, this takes from 30-45 minutes in my kitchen most of the time. Stir in the yogurt. Pour through a strainer into a pitcher and pour into jars.
• Place in the dehydrator for 10 hours at 105 degrees. Alternatively, the yogurt can be finished in a yogurt maker for 8 hours. (Process according to the manufacturer's directions.) At the end of the warming time, chill in the refrigerator until ready to eat.
• If your jars have a little bit of whey (or watery liquid) in the top, just stir it into the finished yogurt right before eating. Sweeten to taste with honey, maple syrup, fruit jams or jellies. I like to add a tiny splash of vanilla extract as well. Enjoy!
• * You really do not need more yogurt than a tablespoon per quart of milk. The more yogurt you add, the more tangy the resulting yogurt will be. Additional yogurt won't thicken the yogurt more, it will simply affect the flavor.

HEALTHIER CREAMY YOGURT SALAD DRESSINGS

Steps:

• Mix ingredients in a bowl. Set aside for 30 minutes+ to allow flavours to develop.
• Use milk to adjust to desired consistency.
• Blitz in a food processor until smooth. Use milk to adjust consistency.

CREAMY YOGURT

Steps:

• Fit a medium, heavy-bottomed pot with a candy or deep-fry thermometer. Add milk to pot and place over medium heat. Cook until thermometer reads 180°F, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let milk cool to 115°F, about 25 minutes.
• Place yogurt in a small bowl. Add ½ cup cooled milk and whisk until smooth. Add yogurt mixture to pot and whisk to combine. Cover pot with a lid and place in an unheated oven with light on until thickened, at least 6 hours and up to overnight.
• Transfer yogurt to resealable jars; refrigerate, covered, for up to 1 week.
• For thicker yogurt: Line a fine-mesh strainer with a double layer of cheesecloth and set over a large bowl. Pour yogurt into strainer and refrigerate until desired thickness is reached, at least 3 hours and up to overnight. Discard any liquid in bowl. Transfer strained yogurt to resealable jars; refrigerate, covered, for up to 1 week.

CREAMY YOGURT CUCUMBER SALAD RECIPE

Steps:

• Toss the cucumbers and red onion in a medium to large bowl. Mix the yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, dill, mint, salt and pepper together in a small bowl then add to the cucumbers and toss to coat. Add more salt and pepper as desired and garnish with more mint and dill. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

EASY HOMEMADE YOGURT

Steps:

• Pour the milk into a pot and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Reduce heat and simmer, about 10 minutes; do not let it boil over.
• Remove pot from heat and allow to sit for 30 to 60 minutes. Dip your finger into the milk every once in a while to determine when you can leave your finger in the milk for 10 to 15 seconds without burning. Pour in the yogurt; there is no need to stir.
• Put the lid on the pot and carefully wrap a blanket around it. Place the wrapped pot in a slightly warm place where it will be undisturbed for 6 to 10 hours; overnight is best. Transfer to the refrigerator to allow the yogurt to continue to thicken.

CREAMY HOMEMADE YOGURT

Steps:

• Rub an ice cube over the inside bottom of a heavy pot to prevent scorching (or rinse the inside of the pot with cold water). Add milk and cream, if using, and bring to a bare simmer, until bubbles form around the edges, 180 to 200 degrees. Stir the milk occasionally as it heats.
• Remove pot from heat and let cool until it feels pleasantly warm when you stick your pinkie in the milk for 10 seconds, 110 to 120 degrees. (If you think you'll need to use the pot for something else, transfer the milk to a glass or ceramic bowl, or else you can let it sit in the pot.) If you're in a hurry, you can fill your sink with ice water and let the pot of milk cool in the ice bath, stirring the milk frequently so it cools evenly.
• Transfer 1/2 cup of warm milk to a small bowl and whisk in yogurt until smooth. Stir yogurt-milk mixture back into remaining pot of warm milk. Cover pot with a large lid. Keep pot warm by wrapping it in a large towel, or setting it on a heating pad, or moving to a warm place, such as your oven with the oven light turned on. Or just set it on top of your refrigerator, which tends to be both warm and out of the way.
• Let yogurt sit for 6 to 12 hours, until the yogurt is thick and tangy; the longer it sits, the thicker and tangier it will become. (I usually let it sit for the full 12 hours.) Transfer the pot to the refrigerator and chill for at least another 4 hours; it will continue to thicken as it chills.

THICK, CREAMY COCONUT YOGURT RECIPE

Steps:

• Place the Aroy-d canned coconut milk in the fridge overnight or in the freezer for 30 minutes prior to opening. Chilling the coconut milk allows the cream content to set firm at the top allowing easy separation from the fluid coconut water at the bottom.
• Open the cans and spoon only the thick, white coconut cream into your glass yogurt making jar. The bottom quarter of the can will be clear coconut water which is not required in the recipe. Don't throw it away though-coconut water is wonderful added to smoothies, chia puddings & curries. Store the coconut water in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze for several months
• Add the starter culture or probiotic and sugar or honey and stir it in. The chilled coconut cream is quite thick so does not stir easily. Don't worry.
• Put the lid firmly on the glass yogurt jar and place the jar into your yogurt maker.
• Pour water slowly into the base. (The water must not be filled over the 'tall line' indicated on the inside wall of the maker). Then place the cover lid on top.
• Use the digital control panel to set the temperature to 38° C, the time to 24 hours and then press 'confirm' to begin incubation.
• When complete, switch the maker off and place the jar in the fridge for at least 6hours to chill and set.
• Once chilled, the coconut yogurt will be firm. It may have a small amount of separated coconut water and appear 'cracked' in places-this is normal.
• Once stirred it will aerate and become creamy. *Note: The coconut water may continue to separate in the fridge. Just stir before using to incorporate.
• Return to the fridge or serve and enjoy

CREAMY GREEK YOGURT DRESSING

Steps:

• Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and whisk to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve. The dressing keeps well for 3-4 days.

CREAMY YOGURT-DILL SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine yogurt, lemon juice, oil, dill, garlic powder and salt in a small bowl.

AUTHENTIC HOMEMADE YOGURT

Steps:

• On a work surface, lay four clean cotton towels in a cross pattern, each with one end overlapping a few inches in the center. Position a large baking dish or glass mixing bowl in the center of the towels.
• Set the plain yogurt on the counter to warm to room temperature while preparing milk mixture.
• Combine milk and half-and-half in a large, heavy, non-aluminum pot. Heat over low to moderate heat, stirring constantly, until mixture just comes to the boil. Immediately remove from heat and pour mixture into the waiting bowl. Add 1 pint whipping cream, if desired, for added richness.
• Allow mixture to cool to 112 degrees F (44 degrees C). Gradually pour 1 cup of the warm milk into the yogurt, whisking constantly. Return the yogurt-milk mixture to the bowl and stir well. Cover bowl with plastic wrap; wrap kitchen towels up and over bowl, covering completely. Let stand at room temperature until firmly set, 8 to 12 hours.
• Refrigerate yogurt several hours or overnight to chill completely.

EASY TZATZIKI SAUCE RECIPE

Steps:

• Combine the Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, black pepper and salt in a medium bowl. Stir until combined.
• Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Flavors develop more over 24 hours.

CREAMY YOGURT JELLO

Steps:

• Empty the contents of the jello envelope into a medium bowl. Pour the boiling water over the jello and whisk until completely dissolved. Set aside to cool down to warm room temperature; about 30 minutes. Do not attempt to speed up the cooling process by refrigerating it, as this will solidify the jello.
• Meanwhile, take both the yogurt and cream out of the fridge, to bring them close to room temperature. By ensuring that all components are at a similar temperature, prevents the mixture from curdling. Adding cold dairy to hot jello mixture, will cause the mixture to curdle and split and the texture won't be pleasant.
• When the jello mixture is no longer hot to the touch, whisk in the yogurt and cream until evenly combined.
• Divide the mixture evenly into 4 ramekins or glasses or 1 medium serving bowl, if serving family-style. Refrigerate until set, 2 to 3 hours or up to overnight.
• If desired, garnish with whipping cream, topped with a berry and mint leaves. Serve cold or at cool room temperature.

CREAMY YOGURT DRESSING

Steps:

• 1 Mince the garlic on a cutting board, then sprinkle about 1/8 teaspoon of the salt over the garlic. Smear with the side of your knife to press the salt into the garlic, then mince again to make a chunky garlic paste.
• 2 Transfer the garlic to a bowl and stir in the remaining salt, yogurt, vinegar, parsley, dill, and pepper. Briskly whisk in the olive oil to emulsify the dressing.

CREAMY CUCUMBER YOGURT SALAD

Steps:

• Using a microplane grater start by grating the garlic into a paste. Add into a bowl with the yogurt or sour cream, lemon juice, zest and fresh dill. Season with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper to taste.
• Slice the cucumbers into 1/4 inch to 1/3 inch slices and add to a bowl with thinly sliced red onion. Add the creamy yogurt dressing on top and gently toss to coat all over.
• Taste and adjust seasonings with more salt and pepper and serve promptly garnished with fresh onion chives, more dill and lemon zest.

VEGAN YOGURT RECIPE

Steps:

• Make sure everything you will be using is scrupulously clean. I run my glass jars, and lids through the dishwasher on the hottest setting. You can also wash them in hot soapy water and put them on a baking tray in an oven at 135 °C (275°F) for 15 to 20 minutes or clean the jars in hot soapy water, rinse them, then put them still drippy and wet into the microwave. Microwave them on high for 45 seconds (do not put metal lids in the microwave - Soak them in boiling water). I also wash my blender jar in hot soapy water, then rinse and fill with boiling water from the kettle, let it sit for a few minutes then pour it out.
• Put the cashews in a small bowl and cover them completely with boiling water. Leave them to soak for 20 to 30 minutes. Don't skip this step.
• Run a kettle of boiling water through your sieve then drain the cashews really well and add them to a blender. Add the coconut milk, yogurt and maple syrup, then blend until it is completely smooth.
• Decant the mixture into clean and dry jars. Any combination of jar sizes that will hold a total of about 600ml (just under 3 cups). I like to use small ones so I have individual sized servings. If you plan on using an Instant Pot make sure before you start filling the jars that they will fit easily together inside the metal inner bowl.
• If using an Instant Pot - Place the uncovered yogurt filled jars into the metal inner pot of the Instant Pot. Do not use the trivet and do not add any water to the pot. The jars should be in direct contact with the bottom of the pot and have no lids or other covering on them. Place the lid of the Instant Pot on and close it, then close the steam vent. Press the yogurt button (check that the display says "normal" and not "boil", then adjust the time depending on how long you would like your yogurt to ferment. I suggest a minimum of 10 hours. That will give you a nice thickness and a slight tang. 11.5 hours will give you a more pronounced tang and is how long I leave mine. Do not disturb the Instant Pot/yogurt during this time. You can check it after 10 or 11 hours though. Use a spoon to take a little bit from one jar (without stirring it up first)and taste it. Put the Instant Pot back on again for another hour or two if it's not quite tangy enough.
• If you don't have an Instant Pot - Cover the filled jars with cheesecloth, clean fluff-free dish towels/cloths, any clean breathable fabric, or paper towels and elastic bands or string to hold it in place. To culture successfully you need to keep the yogurt at a consistent temperature of anywhere between 29 ° C (85 ° F) and 46 ° C (115 ° F). If your house is 29 °C (85 °F) or more you can leave the covered jars on your countertop away from direct sunlight.If your house is cooler than that, turn your oven to 200 ° C (400 °F) for just 1 minute and no longer. Then turn it off and turn the oven light on. Place the covered jars on a baking tray (for stability) in the oven on the top shelf, with just the oven light on. Do not open the door while it is culturing or you will let the heat out. Also make sure that no-one turns the oven on. A note stuck to the door is a good idea. Do not disturb the yogurt while it is culturing. At 38 ° C (100 °F) the yogurt will take between 10 to 12 hours to culture, thicken nicely and get a good tang. If the temperature is cooler than that it will take longer and if it's warmer then it will happen more quickly. I suggest testing it by scooping a tiny bit out and tasting it after about 10 hours have passed, then add on more time if you want it to be tangier. Remember that at anything much below a temperature of 29 ° C (85 ° F), culturing the yogurt could be problematic, and anything much over 49°C (120 °F) and the good bacteria will be killed. The yogurt will not culture if that happens. To be absolutely sure that conditions will be right I suggest having a practice run before. Check the temperature of your oven with a thermometer after your oven has preheated for the 1 minute and the light has been turned on. If you find it isn't in the right temperature range there are more suggestions in the recipe notes for ways to incubate.
• Once the yogurt has incubated and has reached the right amount of tanginess for you, cover securely with a lid and refrigerate thoroughly. Do not stir it. For best results it needs to be undisturbed until completely chilled. It will thicken more as it chills and will continue to thicken the longer you leave it before eating.
• Remember to save a few tablespoons of your yogurt so that you can use it to culture your next batch of homemade vegan yogurt.
• If you prefer a sweet yogurt, add more sweetener after the yogurt has fermented and chilled.

YOGURT CREAM CAKE

Steps:

• Make the sponge cake: Mix egg yolks with sugar and vanilla until pale and fluffy. Sift flour with baking powder and add to the previous mixture. Add melted butter. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, add to the batter. Pour the batter into a rectangular baking pan (20 x 30 cm) lined with parchment paper and bake at 356 F (180 C) until nicely golden (test with skewer).
• Make the filling: beat yogurt with vanilla and sugar. Add lemon zest and juice. In a separate bowl, whip cream. Combine it with the previous batter. Dissolve gelatin according to package instructions and add to the batter. Put the batter over cooled sponge cake and put in fridge overnight.
• Cut into squares and serve.

CREAMY HOMEMADE YOGURT

Steps:

• 1. It would be good to make this on a stay-at-home day. Some people ferment their yogurt during the night, perhaps using a yogurt maker or crockpot. But I start mine in the morning and keep an eye on it periodically throughout the day. The idea is to let it ferment at about 100 degrees for several hours. Do the way that works best for you.
• 2. Warm the quart of milk gently in 2 quart (or so) pot until it reaches 180-190 degrees. Take off any skin that formed over the top. Set it aside now to cool to 100 degrees. The idea of heating was to kill any bad bacteria or enzymes that might prohibit the good bacteria growth.
• 3. While it is cooling, start heating up your large pot with enough water to not quite cover your jars. I usually fill it up half way. Why the large pot? Because the large the amount of water it sits in, the longer it will take to cool off and the less frequently you have to check on it. YOU ONLY NEED TO HEAT IT TO 100 DEGREES! This does not take as long as you might think.
• 4. So, your large pot is heating up and you milk is cooled down. Now add your yogurt 'starter' and whisk it into the milk. If you are using gelatin, add it to a small amount of cold water. Let sit for a minute then mix it into the milk and whisk. I like our yogurt to be on the thick side so I do add a little. I have done it without and it is fine, just more runny. Whatever your personal preference.
• 5. Pour the milk mixture into your clean canning/mason jars. Leave a little room at the top for expansion. Put lids on tight and set them into their water baths. Make sure the water does not go over the lids. Your work here is done! Now it is just a matter of maintenance. You must check the water ever hour or two (depending on the warmth in your home, you will get a feel for it.) and try your best to keep it around 100 degrees. I usually put the burner on under it every 2 hours, setting my timer for 3 minutes. If it gets over 110, you are in danger of killing the good bacteria that is fermenting your milk into yogurt. Once it gets to 92-95, then I know its time to reheat.
• 6. Leave it for anywhere from 6-12 hours! The longer it sits, the sharper the taste and the thicker it becomes. I usually end up in the middle, from 7-9 hours before taking it out, letting it come close to room temperature, then putting them in the fridge. I have a batch brewing right now while I write this. And some garlic potato rosemary bread rising. And will take the dog to the groomer soon. You see, it does not really tie you down as long as you can check on it every couple of hours. I could use the oven , but it does not go below 170 and I am a little nervous about keeping it in there. (out of site-out of mind). Anyway, mix in some fresh fruit and enjoy a healthy snack or breakfast!