Good yogurt is sour and rich, practically a sauce itself; add a little salt and you’re set. The recipe and variations here build on that idea, adding various seasonings or chopped vegetables in the traditions of (mostly) India— where yogurt sauces are called raitas—and the Middle East.
You can make your own yogurt, but good yogurt is sold in stores too; just avoid those containing gelatin or pectin or lacking live cultures. Good yogurt may be thick or thin, it may have a hard, almost cream cheese layer on top, or it may not, but it always has a fresh, sweet-sour smell and delicious flavor. If you want a slightly thicker sauce, drain the yogurt for 15 minutes or so before starting.
MAKES: 1 cup
TIME: 3 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup yogurt, preferably whole milk
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice if necessary
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Combine the yogurt with the minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding lemon juice if necessary.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for a few hours. Bring it back to near room temperature before serving.
VARIATIONS:
- Herbed Yogurt Sauce: Add 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs or to taste. Mint leaves, parsley, dill, cilantro, or any other tender herb works well. You can also use a teaspoon of dried mint or dill.
- Onion Yogurt Sauce: Add a tablespoon or more minced onion, shallot, or scallion. You can choose to omit the garlic or keep it, based on your preference.
- Richer Yogurt Sauce: Top with a tablespoon or so of good extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle with paprika or cumin if desired.
- Avocado Yogurt Sauce: Stir in or purée 1/2 ripe avocado or more, along with a little extra lemon juice.
- Raita (Cucumber Yogurt Sauce): Add about 1 cup chopped cucumber (peeled and seeded if preferred), or diced tomato, or a mixture of vegetables.
- Ginger Yogurt Sauce: Stir in a tablespoon or so of minced fresh ginger.
- Fiery Yogurt Sauce: Add hot red pepper flakes, chili powder, or minced fresh chile to taste.
- Spicy Yogurt Sauce: Add a pinch or more of cumin, paprika, cayenne, dry mustard, saffron, or ground ginger.
- Nutty Yogurt Sauce or Seedy Yogurt Sauce: Stir in up to 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts or seeds. Shredded unsweetened coconut or poppy seeds are great options.
- Yogurt Sauce with Beans: Add 1 cup drained cooked or canned beans, especially chickpeas.
- Sweet Yogurt Sauce: Add a spoonful of honey, either alone or in combination with any of the above variations.
- Blue Cheese Dressing: Add about 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (such as Roquefort) and a bit of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Omit the garlic.
USES:
7 Uses for Simplest Yogurt Sauce:
- Salad dressing: Thin the yogurt sauce with a little lemon juice or sherry vinegar and olive oil to create a creamy and tangy salad dressing.
- Meat and fish accompaniment: Serve the yogurt sauce alongside any simply grilled, broiled, roasted, steamed, or sautéed meat, fish, or poultry for a refreshing and flavorful addition.
- Vegetable and potato topping: Drizzle the yogurt sauce over grilled or steamed vegetables or baked potatoes to add a creamy and tangy element to the dish.
- Dip for snacks: Use the yogurt sauce as a dip for raw vegetables, chips, or any kind of fritter or fried snack for a cool and creamy complement.
- Creamy grain addition: Stir the yogurt sauce into cooked rice or other grains to add creaminess, body, flavor, and an extra protein boost.
- Roasting enhancement: Spread the yogurt sauce on top of roasted vegetables, poultry, or meat during the last 5 or 10 minutes of cooking for a flavorful and slightly caramelized finish.
- Complex fruit salad: Mix the yogurt sauce with chopped raw fruit and/or nuts to create a more complex and creamy fruit salad option.
These versatile uses demonstrate the adaptability of the Simplest Yogurt Sauce and how it can enhance a variety of dishes, from salads to main courses and even fruit salads. Get creative and explore the endless possibilities this sauce has to offer.
The Simplest Yogurt Sauce is a quick and easy way to elevate your dishes with its tangy and creamy goodness. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a versatile sauce that pairs well with a variety of cuisines. Whether you prefer a classic herbed variation, a spicy kick, or a refreshing cucumber raita, the options are endless. Customize the sauce to your taste by experimenting with different herbs, spices, vegetables, or even nuts and seeds. This yogurt sauce is a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a dressing for salads. Its refreshing flavors and creamy texture will surely delight your taste buds. Give it a try and discover the endless possibilities of this simple yet delightful sauce.
Enjoy the simplicity and versatility of this yogurt sauce in various dishes!
