7 Unexpected Ways to Use Your Yogurt

Marinades are one of the easiest ways to try cooking with yogurt. The lactic acid tenderizes meats – like chicken, pork, beef and lamb – while also enhancing the flavour. Give it a try with this popular Indian street food recipe that takes yogurt, cream and spice-marinated chicken, grills it to perfection and then wraps it in buttery, flaky paratha.

Take your cakes to a whole new level by baking with Greek yogurt in place of sour cream or creme fraiche. The acidity helps activate the baking soda for a fluffier cake and keeps it tender and moist. Give it a try with this simple chocolatey 11-carton cake topped with a vanilla buttercream frosting.

If you’ve never heard of labneh before, it’s a tangy, creamy cheese made with strained yogurt. Labneh can be used as a dip, added to a sandwich, or as a base for poached eggs. For an impressive recipe that looks like it came straight from your favourite restaurant’s kitchen, combine the cheese with oven-roasted beets, hazelnuts and a touch of honey.

Elote, also known as Mexican street corn, is an irresistible whole-grain side dish that goes with everything from tacos to an assortment of pork, chicken or beef mains. While the traditional recipe calls for mayonnaise and cotija cheese, 2 per cent plain Greek yogurt can be used instead to achieve that tangy flavour. Make this shortcut skillet recipe year-round with frozen kernels instead of fresh corn on the cob.

Related: Cheesy Mexican Street Corn Dip is a Must Try

Yes, yogurt can be used for pasta sauces! A touch of Greek yogurt acts as a bit of tang that cuts through the richness so that the overall dish sits in the zone of being luscious without being heavy. Plus, it adds a little bit of protein to a meatless dish like this one. Try your hand at this umami-forward miso pasta meal that features mushrooms, garlic, butter, mushrooms, miso paste and Parmigiano Reggiano.

Ripe cherries, tender pastry and pillowy clouds of whipped cream, oh my! A classic shortcake recipe usually calls for strawberries, but this time opt for cherries for a tart and sweet treat. Adding one cup of Greek yogurt to the whipped cream adds more flavour. 

For light and fluffy pancakes, swap out the milk or buttermilk for plain Greek yogurt. You can use Oikos 11 per cent plain yogurt for a brunch-worthy dish (or dessert) that will become a go-to in your home. Don’t forget the butter and toffee sauce which you can make and store ahead of time!