Yogurt is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make a variety of delicious sauces. The tangy flavor of yogurt pairs well with many foods and can be seasoned in different ways to create sweet or savory sauces. Some of the most popular yogurt-based sauces include tzatziki, raita, yogurt salad dressing, and yogurt dipping sauces.
Tzatziki
Tzatziki is a classic Greek yogurt sauce made by combining strained yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, mint, and salt and pepper. It has a refreshing, tangy flavor and creamy texture. Tzatziki sauce goes well with grilled meats, fish, pita bread, and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and strained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the strained yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, and mint.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
Raita
Raita is a yogurt-based condiment that originated in Indian cuisine. It helps provide a cooling contrast to spicy Indian foods. Raita can be made with different vegetables and spices. Some common additions include cucumber, tomato, onion, carrot, pepper, cilantro, cumin, and mint.
Ingredients
- 2 cups plain yogurt
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the yogurt, cucumber, tomato, onion, garlic, cilantro, and cumin powder.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
Yogurt Salad Dressing
Yogurt makes an excellent base for healthy homemade salad dressings. It provides tanginess and creaminess. Yogurt dressing recipes can be customized with different herbs, spices, vinegars, mustards, and oils. They are lower in calories than cream or oil-based dressings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Shake or whisk dressing before tossing with salad.
Yogurt Dipping Sauces
Yogurt dip makes a fresh, creamy dipping sauce for various finger foods like chicken tenders, veggie sticks, falafel, fries, and more. Mix in different herbs and spices to customize flavors.
Ranch Yogurt Dip
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Tzatziki Yogurt Dip
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped dill
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Dip
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Honey Mustard Yogurt Dip
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Tips for Yogurt Sauces
Here are some useful tips for handling yogurt when making sauces:
- For a thicker, Greek-style sauce, use strained yogurt which has been drained to remove excess liquid whey.
- Add yogurt at the end of cooking when heating a yogurt sauce to prevent curdling.
- Gently reheat yogurt sauces over low heat, stirring constantly.
- To thin a yogurt sauce, stir in small amounts of milk, water, or lemon juice until desired consistency is reached.
- For added creaminess, you can blend in a small amount of soft cream cheese or mayonnaise.
- Store yogurt sauces in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Different Types of Yogurt to Use
The type of yogurt you use will impact the flavor and texture of the finished sauce. Consider these yogurt options:
| Yogurt Type | Features | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Greek yogurt | Thick, creamy texture; tangy flavor; high protein | Thicker sauces and dips like tzatziki |
| Plain yogurt | Creamy texture; mild tangy flavor | General cooking and sauces |
| Low-fat yogurt | Lighter texture; moderate tang | Healthy or diet sauces |
| Non-fat yogurt | Thinner texture; mild flavor | Lower calorie sauces |
| Sheep or goat yogurt | Rich, distinctive tangy flavor | Adds bolder flavor to sauces |
Flavor Add-Ins for Yogurt Sauces
Stir any of these ingredients into plain yogurt to turn it into a flavored sauce or dip:
- Fresh or dried herbs like dill, mint, cilantro, basil, oregano, chives
- Spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, curry powder, cumin
- Citrus juice and zest like lemon, lime, orange
- Mustard, horseradish
- Hot sauce or chili paste
- Roasted peppers
- Pesto
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Roasted garlic
- Harissa or other chile pastes
- Honey, pure maple syrup, jams
- Olives, capers, pickles, relish
Get creative mixing and matching flavors to invent your own signature yogurt sauces!
How to Thicken Yogurt Sauces
If your yogurt sauce seems too thin, there are a few easy ways to thicken it up:
- Simmer the sauce over low heat to let some of the extra liquid evaporate.
- Mix in a thickener like cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or flour.
- Puree some of the sauce in a blender and mix back into the rest of the sauce for a smoother, thicker texture.
- Add cream cheese or soft goat cheese and let melt into the sauce.
- Blend in Greek yogurt or drained yogurt for added thickness.
- Chill the sauce thoroughly in the fridge to firm it up. Sauces thicken when cold.
Add thickeners gradually and keep stirring until you reach the desired consistency. Too much starch thickener can make a sauce gloppy.
Troubleshooting Yogurt Sauces
Here are some common issues that can come up when making yogurt sauces and how to prevent them:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Sauce is too thin and runny | Simmer to reduce liquid, add a thickener like flour or cornstarch, or use strained yogurt |
| Sauce has curdled | Avoid boiling, add lemon juice or cornstarch paste to stabilize, blend to make smooth |
| Sauce tastes too tangy | Add more oil, cream, sugar, salt, or herbs to balance flavor |
| Sauce tastes bland | Stir in acids like lemon juice, spices, herbs, mustard, or hot sauce for flavor |
| Sauce tastes too thick | Gradually thin with milk, water, or lemon juice until desired consistency |
| Sauce has separated | Whisk vigorously or blend together to re-emulsify, may need to reheat gently |
Storing and Serving Yogurt Sauces
- Store yogurt sauces in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Stir before serving to reincorporate any separated liquid.
- Allow sauce to come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
- Garnish sauces with fresh herbs, spices, chili oil, or toasted nuts or seeds.
- Serve sauces as a dip with fresh cut vegetables, pita chips, falafel, etc.
- Use sauces as a marinade, sandwich spread, pizza topping, or dressing for grain bowls.
- Drizzle over grilled or roasted meats, fish, tofu, and vegetables.
Creative Serving Ideas for Yogurt Sauces
Here are some unique ways to serve homemade yogurt sauces:
- Swirl harissa yogurt sauce on top of hummus.
- Fill celery stalks with herbed yogurt cheese as an appetizer.
- Top burgers or tacos with spiced yogurt sauce.
- Use yogurt sauce as a dip for grilled eggplant and zucchini.
- Stuff a whole roasted chicken with herbed yogurt before baking.
- Make a yogurt raita bar with assorted toppings for guests to customize.
- Layer yogurt sauce and sliced cucumbers on toast or pitas.
- Blend yogurt with roasted beet puree for a vivid pink dip or sauce.
- Swirl yogurt into creamy tomato or butternut squash soups.
- Combine yogurt, tahini, dates, and nuts for a savory-sweet dip.
With all the possible flavor combinations, the possibilities are endless for inventing your own signature yogurt dips and spreads to liven up any meal!
Nutritional Benefits of Yogurt
Homemade yogurt sauces and dips provide great nutritional value. Here are some of the health perks of yogurt:
- Probiotics: Yogurt contains live active cultures that are beneficial bacteria for gut and digestive health.
- Protein: Greek yogurt especially is high in satiating protein to help build muscle and keep you full.
- Calcium: Yogurt provides calcium to support bone health and strength.
- Vitamin B12: Essential for nerve and blood cell health, yogurt provides an excellent source of B12.
- Potassium: With more potassium than most foods, yogurt may help lower blood pressure.
Yogurt makes a great base for flavorful sauces that can help round out a healthy diet. The live cultures even offer a bonus of gut-friendly probiotics.
Conclusion
Yogurt is an endlessly versatile ingredient that can be transformed into delicious savory and sweet sauces, dips, dressings, and more. From cooling raitas to creamy salad dressings to vibrant dipping sauces, yogurt’s tangy flavor profile pairs perfectly with herbs, spices, vegetables, and other mix-ins. Following some simple tips for stability and texture, it’s easy to whip up homemade yogurt sauces that are far superior to store-bought versions. Let your creativity run wild, and you’ll never run out of new ways to incorporate yogurt’s probiotic power into fantastic sauces and spreads.
