5 uses for Greek yoghurt

I've been a fan of Greek yoghurt for some time now, opting to make it for quite a while but just for me, making a kilo at a time was just a waste. I buy a 500ml tub every week and use it at just about every meal. I love it. It's so versatile and a great dairy, (healthy) fat and protein source in your daily diet. It acts as a great base to add so many flavours to, both sweet and savoury. You'll never want to buy flavoured yoghurts again.

Besides being a tart, rich, creamy yoghurt, it has amazing health benefits. I opt for a full fat version because if you read the label, you'll find that the low fat version might be slightly lower in fat but it is a lot higher in sugar. Greek yoghurt has twice has much protein as regular yoghurt. It may be slightly lower in calcium than regular yoghurt but it is still a good source of calcium. Greek yoghurt also has twice as much protein as regular yoghurt therefore making you feel more full for longer. It is also less in carbohydrates. Just check sugar levels in fruit flavoured versions. Greek yoghurt also contains probiotics which aid digestion and the immune system.

Here's a few ways I use it.

Salad Dressing

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This has to be one of my most favourite salad dressings. It makes me feel like I'm not missing out on a decadent, creamy dressing (even though I'm probably more partial to vinaigrette style dressings). It's so simple. Just add any fresh or dried herb, lemon or lime juice, any fruit (eg mango, raspberries, pomegranate etc), garlic, spices, nuts, mustard, avocado, vegetables (eg grated cucumber, celery, fennel etc). Go crazy! It compliments any salad I've had.

Breakfast

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This is probably my favourite. I've not ever been a big fan of breakfast but since making a few changes to my diet, I've really enjoy it and look forward to it. It's usually 1/2 cup of Greek yoghurt with whatever I can find thrown on top whether that's untoasted muesli, homemade granola, oats, fresh fruit, chia seeds, LSA mix, almond meal, nuts, dried fruit, pureed fruit and the list goes on. If I'm in a hurry (which is most mornings), I add a couple tablespoons of Greek yoghurt to a fruit smoothie with a few chia seeds added for extra protein and fibre. Layering the Greek yoghurt with your fruit, nuts or muesli and serving in a tall glass makes a lovely breakfast parfait. Same with making overnight oats or quinoa, I always add Greek yoghurt to the recipe. A lovely breakfast dish.

Substitute for Sour Cream

Skinny Sour Cream Enchiladas by Cooking for Keeps

I challenge anyone to point out the difference in taste between plain Greek yoghurt and sour cream. Sour cream may appear a little more smooth and thicker but it really doesn't taste any different. I use it in every recipe that requires sour cream for a lot less calories. In 100grams of sour cream are 193 calories compared to approximately 130 calories in full fat Greek yoghurt. Add it to your stroganoffs, curries and soups for a rich, creamy addition.

Baking

Lemon & Blueberry Yoghurt Cakes

You may have noticed not a lot of baking has been going on here. We're nearly at the end of one of our hottest summers on record so the oven hasn't been going on much. I love to use yoghurt in my baking. If you search 'yoghurt' on the blog you'll find quite a few baking recipes where I've added yoghurt. It does add a more dense cake crumb resulting in a lovely cake. It also works great in cheesecakes.

Dips and Spreads

Greek Tzatziki by CRAP Mamma

I think I've been making a big batch of this every week and using it on whatever I can like wraps, microwaved potatoes or as a dip for vegie sticks. Just add grated cucumber, garlic and fresh herbs like mint or dill. Greek yoghurt used as the base of any dip works well. Think of low fat versions of ranch dip, garlic dip for souvlaki, serving with meatballs or anything. Very tasty, low fat, healthy versions of practically any dip you'd normally make.

Making your own soft cheese

I love my Greek yoghurt and my body has been thanking me for it.