Greek Yogurt, a perfect mid meal snack

Also called strained yogurt, Greek yogurt is nothing but our good ol’ dahi that has been strained to remove the whey. Far thicker, creamier and protein-dense than the normal curd, Greek yogurt is also simple to prepare. All you need is to place your dahi or curd in a fine mesh container lined with a muslin or cheese cloth.
Replete with minerals like calcium and iodine as well as Vitamin B12, Greek yogurt is loaded with probiotics and helps boost gut health and metabolism. Extremely versatile and with a great texture, it can be perfectly paired to make smoothies, sandwiches, hummus, desserts, etc.
Here are some simple yet healthy and delectable recipes you can try at home with Greek Yogurt.

COOKIE SANDWICH
This is a delectable quick bite that is sure to be a favorite with adults and children alike.

Ingredients:

l Whole wheat chocolate chip or plain cookies: 8 nos.
l Vanilla bean Greek yogurt: 4 cups
l Honey or powdered jaggery: 2 tbsp
l Cream cheese: 4–6 tbsp
l Colorful confetti and choco-chips: for garnish

Method of preparation:
1. Combine the Greek yogurt, honey and cream cheese in a bowl and beat it until thick and creamy.
2. Freeze the above for about an hour.
3. Remove the frozen yogurt spread from the freezer and allow it to soften for a few minutes.
4. Take four cookies and add one scoop of yogurt spread on all of them.
5. Use four other cookies to form sandwiches by placing on top of the ones with the yogurt spread. Press down gently to slowly spread out the yogurt spread.
6. Freeze the above for 30 minutes.
7. Garnish with colorful confetti and choco-chips before serving.

(Recipe courtesy: Epigamia)

GREEK YOGURT BANANA SMOOTHIE
This is the ideal power breakfast to help you kick start your day.

Ingredients:
l Natural plain Greek yogurt: 1 cup
l Banana mashed: ½
l Honey: 2 tbsp
l Cinnamon (optional): ½ tsp
l Powdered jaggery (optional): 1 tbsp
l Banana (chopped): for topping

Method of preparation:
1. Blend yogurt, banana, honey and jaggery to a fine, smooth paste.
2. Transfer to a cup or small bowl;
3. Add to the above add ½ tsp cinnamon and serve with chopped banana.
4. You may also choose to add walnuts or saffron strands along with chopped bananas.

YOGURT DILL DIP
This healthy and delicious dip is an ideal accompaniment for bread, fries and wedges.

Ingredients:

l Natural Greek yogurt: 1 cup
l Garlic (finely minced): 2 cloves
l Olive oil: 1 tbsp
l Dill leaves (finely chopped): ½ cup
l Salt: 1 tsp
l Pepper: 1 tsp
l Lemon juice: ½ tsp

Method of preparation:
1. Fry the minced garlic and dill leaves in a small pan using a tsp of olive oil. Transfer to a bowl.
2. Add in the rest of the ingredients mentioned and whisk together. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. Enjoy with potato fries, wedges or bread.

BEETROOT HUMMUS TOAST
Here’s a fibre-rich, healthy snack that perfectly balances nutrition, taste and flavors.

Ingredients:
l Cooked and mashed beetroot: ½ cup
l Boiled chickpeas: 2 tbsp
l Lemon juice: ½ tbsp
l Garlic clove (minced): 1 no.
l Natural Greek yogurt: 1 cup
l Salt and black pepper: to taste
l Wheat bread slices
l Oregano, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, watermelon seeds: For topping

Method of preparation:
1. Blend mashed beetroot, boiled chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic and Greek yogurt into a creamy paste. Add salt and black pepper.
2. Spread the hummus on toasted wheat bread.
3. Serve with garnished oregano, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, watermelon seeds.

(Recipe courtesy: Epigamia)

SAFFRON-LACED CREAMY DESSERT
Indulge in this guilt-free concoction with the crunch of healthy nuts.

Ingredients:
l Natural Greek yogurt: 1 cup
l Roasted nuts such as almond, pistachios, walnut, etc. (chopped): 1 tbsp
l Milk: 1 tbsp
l Saffron: 2–3 strands
l Jaggery powder (as per taste): 1 tbsp

Method of preparation:
1. Soak the saffron threads in milk and leave for about 30 minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix yogurt, jaggery powder and saffron milk until combined and creamy.
3. Allow the above to cool in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes
4. Before serving, top the above with chopped roasted nuts

CUCUMBER, GARLIC DIP
Here’s a light yet delicious dip that’s perfect for your crisps and crackers.

Ingredients:
l Natural Greek yogurt: 2 cups
l Garlic (finely minced): 2–3 cloves
l Olive oil: 1 tbsp
l Cucumber (finely chopped): ½ cup
l Chives or spring onion (finely chopped): ¼ cup
l Salt: 1 tsp
l Pepper: 1 tsp
l Lemon juice: 1 tsp
l Kasuri methi (for garnish): 1 tsp

Method of preparation:
1. Drain out all the water from the finely chopped cucumber by pressing it with your palms.
2. Fry the minced garlic in a small pan using a tsp of olive oil if you do not want to consume it raw.
3. In a bowl, combine all ingredients mentioned and whisk together. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Refrigerate the above for 30 minutes.
5. Garnish with kasuri methi and serve.
6. Enjoy with chips, crisps or crackers.