Let’s give the summer staple yogurt a delicious makeover

FILLED WITH PROBIOTICS, YOGURT ENHANCES HEALTHY GUT BACTERIA WHICH AIDS DIGESTION, KEEPS YOUR BODY HYDRATED IN THE HOT MONTHS, AND IS RICH IN PROTEIN AND CALCIUM.

Cool and refreshing, yogurt is a staple of sorts for every summer meal. And why not, when its health benefits are also abundant. Filled with probiotics, yoghurt enhances healthy gut bacteria which aids digestion, keeps your body hydrated in the hot months, and is rich in protein and calcium. It’s the perfect, healthy way to start your day, however, plain yoghurt can get monotonous after a while.

To keep things interesting, we tell you how to use it for dips or dressings, nutritious smoothies and even dessert!

YOGURT DUMPLINGS

Here’s a recipe for yogurt dumplings by chef Saby. Hang yoghurt in a muslin cloth and leave it to dry, drain out excess water and use the residue to form balls with your hands. Serve with a mix of chilli and olive oil, or walnuts and chips, making a cold appetiser.

PAPAYABASIL SMOOTHIE

Try this recipe by chef Anand Pawar — Blend half a cup of papaya, one cup of yoghurt, 3-4 basil leaves, a few tablespoons of the sweetener of choice with half a teaspoon of elaichi powder, two tbsp cream and a pinch of cumin seed powder. Refrigerate, and enjoy it cold!

SAFFRON YOGURT DIP

Infuse saffron strands in hot water for five minutes, and add to a cup of yogurt. Mix in two crushed cloves of garlic with two tbsp fresh lemon juice and three tbsp olive oil. Enjoy with sliced vegetables.

BAKED MANGO YOGURT

Dice up a ripe mango, fold in a cup of milkmaid and a cup of cream, add two cups of yogurt, and pour the mix into a heatsafe bowl and place it in a pan of boiling water. Cover the bowl with a lid and let it cool on a low flame for 10-15 minutes. Once cool, refrigerate for four hours. Serve with chopped mangoes.

YOGURT POPSICLE

Blend half a cup of berries, two cups of yogurt and two tablespoons of honey, freeze in popsicle moulds, and enjoy!

PHOTO: ISTOCK