You might be wondering why I started a blog on Greek Yogurt Recipes? Well once you hear of all it’s health benefits and just how versatile it is in cooking you’ll understand why!

What is Greek Yogurt

Greek Yogurt is very creamy and quite thick compared to other yogurts. It has a texture similar to sour cream but it is not as bitter and therefore is becoming popular as an alternative.

It has a higher fat content compared to other yogurt.

Traditional Greek yoghurt is made using sheep’s milk but you will find that in the US it is manufactured mostly with cow’s milk.

Why are Greek Yogurt Recipes so Healthy?

greek yogurt recipesYou are probably thinking that if it is higher in fat then why is it healthy? Well, because it is such a creamy texture it is an ideal alternative to real cream – and it has much less fat than real cream. This means that you can use it in desserts and “treats” without adding loads of fat or calories to your meal. Ideal for those that want to lose weight.

Not only that but as with all live yogurts it also has the added benefits of:

  • helping to protect your body against bacteria that can cause infection (gastroenteritis, urinary infections, thrush, etc.)
  • generally boosts your immune system
  • in clinical trials it has been shown to speed up the recovery time of attacks of diarrhea especially in children
  • helps to restore your gut microflora after extended periods on antibiotics

Compared to other yogurts, Greek yogurt also has a higher protein content and more of the healthy bacterial cultures or probiotics as they are sometimes known as. It is for these reasons that Greek yogurt recipes are in demand.

How to make Greek Yogurt

The ingredients you need are:

  1. two tablespoons of full fat milk
  2. two tablespoons of any live yogurt
  3. a quart (30 ounces) of full fat pasteurized milk (this can be cows or sheep’s milk)
  • Heat the quart of milk in a pan until just boiling and allow to cool until it is comfortable to put your finger in it. It might be quicker to transfer the milk into a plastic container when cooling.
  • When cooled you might notice a thin layer of skin has formed. If this is the case then be careful with the next part.
  • Add the yogurt and remaining milk to the pot so as not to disturb any skin. It is easiest to do this by gently moving back some skin from the edge and pouring down the side.
  • Put a clean cloth over the container and leave in a dry, warm place such as the airing cupboard.
  • The yogurt takes between 8-12 hours before being ready. Note that the longer you leave it the more sour the resulting flavor.
  • When the yogurt has thickened drain or strain the liquid on top (this is the part that makes it Greek!)
  • Store in the refrigerator at least 3 hours before you want to use it.
  • If you keep it in a sealed container then it should last up to days 5 in the refrigerator.

If you want to carry on making your own homemade version then remember to remove 2 tablespoons for your next batch.

Greek Yogurt Recipes

If you are planning on eating it plain then I would recommend using honey or sugar to sweeten it a bit. There are plenty of Greek yogurt recipes that you can try. Here are some quick ideas:

  • dips (tzatziki dip is the classic one)
  • ice cream
  • smoothies
  • desserts
  • dressings
  • sauces
  • curry dishes
  • soup
  • on salads

I use Greek yogurt instead of cream in any dish. Doing this means that I can create creamy desserts and cakes with a lower fat content.

Start using Greek Yogurt Recipes each day and you will not only enjoy it you will be creating healthy meals for the whole family.

Recipes With Greek Yogurt

  • Greek Yogurt Dip Recipes Lots of healthy foods to choose from here and ideas on what to do with them to make a healthy snack. One includes a Greek Yogurt Dip which is really yummy. Healthy All-Star Foods to Eat and Drink #1 1. Blueberries. These tiny little munchable treats a...
  • Greek Yogurt Horseradish Sauce Dip Try out this alternative to horseradish sauce by using Greek Yogurt instead of cream. It can be used as a dip to accompany lots of dishes including beef, lamb and fish.
  • Greek Yogurt Sauce for Fish Tasty Greek yogurt sauce that is ideal to go with fish dishes.
  • Greek Yogurt Sauces If you are still wondering which yogurt type to go for then this might help you abit. Hopefully you will begin to see the real benefits of Greek Yogurt compared to ordinary yogurt.
  • Why use Greek Yogurt Sauce? Next time you reach for the cream add Greek Yogurt instead and know that you are automatically lowering the overall calories of the dish without compromising the flavor.
  • Drinks in Greece Ever wondered what the Greeks like to drink? Here is all the information you need to know. I think most people have heard of Ouzo and probably stear clear of it! I certainly do but perhaps thats because I don't know HOW it should be drank!
  • Grilled Chicken Recipe with Tzatziki Here is a great recipe for grilled chicken with the classic Greek dip Tzatziki. Although I've written out the recipe elsewhere on this site it is also included here for completeness.
  • Make Your Own Frozen Greek Yogurt Smoothies Make up a batch of Greek Yogurt smoothies so that you always have some ready for breakfast. Here is a quite guide to making smoothies with frozen fruit.
  • Fruity Sugar Free Popsicles Ever thought of using Greek yogurt to make a popsicle? Well think again. Here are some interesting ideas on making sugar free popsicles and fruity ones.
  • Greek Yogurt Smoothies Here are some mouth watering smoothies for you to try. Some include Greek yogurt or you can use ordinary yogurt if you prefer.