Make Indian Yogurt at Home
Hello from Bhaktapur, Nepal!

This is a picture of me enjoying a traditional sweetened yogurt. By the time you get this, I'll be back in India. I've been traveling around the last few weeks sourcing more amazing products for you, which I'll bring back to the U.S. (I can't wait to share.)

I won't totally spoil the surprise, but one of the newest products we are stocking now is (you guessed it), yogurt! But not just any yogurt - Indian style "dahi." Dahi is the culture that is used to make things such as lassi, raita, curd rice, or mishti doi.
Yogurt is so important in every culture, but Indian yogurt is unique. People who have had yogurt in India and compare it to the yogurt available in most grocery stores get disappointed with the texture and flavor. People "smuggle" yogurt culture from India or borrow from an Indian friend. Now you can make the same Indian yogurt yourself if you don't have access to such yogurt starter.

Traditionally, we culture the dahi yogurt in earthen pots. The clay helps to cool the milk, and it results in a thicker, creamier yogurt, as the pores in the clay help to evaporate the extra water content.

I'm so thrilled to be able to offer this Indian yogurt starter to you. We should all try to start the year with healthy eating practices - one of which is to consume fermented foods and drinks everyday. :)

~ Sandeep

2 cups milk
1/4 tsp yogurt starter
thermometer

Heat milk to a simmer, then lower temperature to 125°F. Stir in 1/4 tsp of yogurt starter. Pour into InstantPot and cook on Yogurt setting for 8 hours. Store finished yogurt in fridge.

2 cups milk
1/4 tsp yogurt starter
thermometer

Heat milk to 180°F, then lower temperature to 115°F. Stir in 1/4 tsp of yogurt starter. Pour into non-reactive container, cover with lid, wrap in towel and set in warm place for 6-8 hours or overnight. Store finished yogurt in fridge.

Make Indian Style Dahi Yogurt Using Raw Milk

2 cups raw milk
1/4 tsp yogurt starter
thermometer

Gently heat raw milk to 104°F. Stir in 1/4 tsp of yogurt starter. Pour into non-reactive container, cover with lid, wrap in towel and set in warm place for 6-8 hours or overnight. Yogurt will not be as thick as other methods because the low temperature does not break down the proteins as much as higher heat methods. Store finished yogurt in fridge.
So what does dahi yogurt taste like?
Great question! Dahi yogurt is sweeter than more tangy, store-bought plain yogurt. It is more smooth and creamy for a thick yogurt, as well.
Do I have to use an earthen pot?
Nope! You can use any non-reactive container. Non-reactive means it won't change the constitution of the food. Some examples of non-reactive materials include stainless steel, glass, ceramic, or enamel-coated material. Reactive cookware would include copper, aluminum, iron, and steel.
How can I use dahi yogurt?
Dahi can be eaten on its own or with a sweetener such as raw honey, organic cane sugar or  jaggery . Here are more ideas for enjoying Indian dahi:

  • Top a bowl of dahi with fresh or dried fruits.
  • Mix with water to make a lassi, a dahi-based beverage made with water, spices, and sometimes fruits and/or sweeteners. Try it with mangoes, cherries, berries or other fruits, natural sugar or honey, or enjoy as a rejuvenating sour drink.
  • Use dahi like sour cream – as a topping for savory dishes or desserts.
  • Add to chopped vegetables such as carrots, celery and cucumber. Don’t forget to add spices and fresh herbs like cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, fresh parsley, dill, chives, mint or cilantro.
  • Blend with mayonnaise, herbs and spices to make a probiotic, creamy salad dressing.
  • Serve as a side dish to vegetable and bean soups.
  • Enjoy with a serving of a favorite grain dish such as basmati rice or quinoa.
  • Serve with cooked vegetables such as eggplant, squash and tomatoes.
  • Try a dollop over blueberry pancakes, waffles, hot oatmeal or cream of wheat.
Now, we also have organic henna!
We are really excited to offer you this organic Indian henna powder! Henna is an all-natural plant-based dye, which stains the skin or hair a shade of red/brown. The use of henna is truly ancient, dating back to 1200 BC where it was used in Egypt as a dye for hair and nails. It is believed that Cleopatra used it as part of her beauty regimen. Most of us are familiar with henna’s use as a natural hair dye and botanical skin-paint that is skillfully applied to our hands, arms and feet - just like a beautiful bride in an Indian wedding ceremony. Henna is cultivated in drier, tropical climates around the world including India where it is known as mehndi in the Hindi language.

  • 100% Pure Henna (Lawsonia inermis)
  • Pre-sifted, very fine henna powder
  • Batch-tested for heavy metals
  • Preservative free, no chemicals, no parabens, no PPD, no metallic salts
  • Not Tested on Animals
  • For External Use Only
  • For use on hair and skin
  • After opening, transfer contents to an airtight container.
  • Product of India
  • Certified Organic by NJDA
$7.99
Only $4.99!
Until Feb 29, 2020
@pureindianfoods