Leftovers: Natural Yoghurt

Proper sugar-free natural yoghurt is one of those foods I think lasts a lot longer than what is stated on the tub, usually a conservative three days. If you happen to have some leftover after the three days and would prefer not to eat it straight, consider using it in a cooked dish before you throw it out.

1. Baking

My excess yoghurt usually goes into the healthy breakfast muffin recipe I have posted here before. These muffins are a simple batter mix that freeze excellently and defrost rapidly. Take one straight from the freezer in the morning and it will be ready to eat by the time you get your tea break at work.

2. Healthier topping on savoury meals

For meals that call for a cheese topping (enchiladas for example), consider making it healthier by only using half the required quantity of cheese and mixing it with enough natural yoghurt to spread over the dish. You can then bake/grill as normal. It will still brown and look delicious.

3. Cool down or cream up a curry

If you need to tone down a spicy curry, stir the natural yoghurt into the dish a minute before it finishes cooking.

4. Marinade your meat

Natural yoghurt will tenderize your meat and is especially suited to chicken and lamb. A no mess technique is to put your meat in a ziplock plastic bag, pour in the yoghurt, seal and shake/squeeze/mush to coat at the meat. Store in the fridge until cooking, preferably overnight.

So become a cultured individual and get friendly with natural yoghurt!