What are some recipes that use dahi?
Dahi, Indian plain yogurt or curd, is the base of raita, kadhi, lassi and shrikhand, and it also goes into marinades, gravies such as dahi baingan, and breads. It is mildly sour, so recipes use it for tang and creaminess. Whisk it smooth and add it off a hard boil so it does not split.
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In this article
What can you make with dahi?
| Dish | What it is |
|---|---|
| Raita | Whisked dahi with cucumber, boondi or fruit, eaten with spicy food or pulao |
| Kadhi | Dahi and gram flour (besan) simmered with spices, served with rice |
| Lassi | Blended dahi drink, sweet or salted, sometimes with mango |
| Chaas | Thin spiced buttermilk-style drink served with meals |
| Shrikhand | Strained dahi sweetened with sugar, cardamom and saffron |
| Dahi baingan | Fried brinjal (eggplant) in a dahi gravy |
How do you use dahi in curries and marinades?
Dahi tenderizes and flavors meat and vegetables in marinades, and thickens gravies such as dahi mutton curry. Tips that work in practice: use room-temperature dahi, whisk it until smooth before it meets heat, and keep the pan at a gentle simmer. Full-fat dahi is less likely to split than low-fat. Some cooks also whisk a little besan into the dahi first.
How do you make dahi at home?
A published recipe boils whole milk, cools it to about 45 C (113 F), stirs in a tablespoon of thick curd, and leaves it in a warm place, about 43 C, for around 4 hours, longer in cool weather. Keep a spoonful as the starter for the next batch and refrigerate once set.
Which dahi should you buy?
- Plain, unsweetened, with a short ingredient list.
- Thick or Greek-style for shrikhand and dips; regular for lassi and kadhi.
- Fresh dahi is mild; older dahi is more sour, which suits kadhi.
Can you swap plain yogurt for dahi?
Yes. Plain unsweetened yogurt works in all of these dishes. Dahi is usually a little more sour and less thick than Greek yogurt.
Common mistakes
- Boiling dahi hard, which makes it split.
- Using sweetened or flavored yogurt in savory dishes.
- Adding cold dahi straight into a very hot pan.
People also ask
What are the most popular dahi recipes?
Raita, kadhi, lassi, chaas and shrikhand are the best known, plus dahi-based gravies and marinades.
How do I stop dahi curdling in a curry?
Use full-fat dahi, whisk it smooth, bring it to room temperature and cook at a gentle simmer.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of dahi?
Yes, thin it with a little water or milk for lassi and kadhi.
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