Six easy things you can make with yogurt, the king of dairy products

Yogurt is arguably the king of dairy products, and a favourite ingredient in sweet and savoury recipes. Plain yogurt has plenty of probiotics, which help regulate gut health, and Greek yogurt is a surprising source of protein! Here are six recipes we use all the time.

Sweet treats you can make at home

Overnight oats are the perfect breakfast, and so easy to make.

Apple bircher

Prepare this in the evening, and it will be ready in time for a delicious and nutritious breakfast. This makes four servings.

You will need:

1 apple, grated
90 g rolled oats
100 ml juice or milk
100 ml plain yogurt
20 g sliced almonds
20 g sunflower seeds
1 teaspoon cinnamon
(optional) blueberries, chia seeds, and honey to serve

Instructions:

1. In a container, mix the grated apple, oats, juice or milk, yogurt, almonds, sunflower seeds, and cinnamon. Cover it, and leave it in the fridge overnight.
2. In the morning, eat it on its own or with blueberries, chia seeds, and honey.
    

Spicy eggs? Yes please.

Turkish eggs

Also called cilbir, these eggs are warm, rich, and spicy. This recipe serves two.

You will need:

4 tablespoons yogurt (plain or Greek)
1 garlic clove, grated
Pinch of salt
2 eggs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon paprika
Toast for serving

Instructions:

1. Mix the yogurt, garlic, and salt together, and set aside.
2. Bring a pan of water to simmer on medium heat, and then turn the heat to low. Crack the eggs in separate dishes, and slowly drop the eggs in the water with space between them. Poach the eggs for 3-4 minutes, until they are cooked.
3. Use a slotted spoon to put the eggs on a plate with a towel to remove extra water.
4. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium low heat, and add the paprika. Cook for a minute, and set aside.
5. Scoop the yogurt mixture onto a plate, add an egg, and drizzle the paprika butter on top. Serve with toast for dipping.

Natural ways to deal with bacne

Yes - you can even use yogurt for bread!

Yogurt flatbread

This recipe is quick to make and tastes better than any packaged flatbread.

You will need:

250 ml plain yogurt
250 g all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading
¾ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons salt, plus more for sprinkling
4 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Whisk the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in the yogurt.
2. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface, and knead for a minute until smooth. Cut the dough into four pieces. Cover it with cling film or a damp towel, and let it rest for 15 minutes.
3. Roll each piece of dough into a circle, about half a centimetre thin. Cover the other pieces of dough when you’re not working with them so they don’t dry out.
4. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. One flatbread at a time, and cook for two minutes, or until the flatbread starts to puff. Flip, and cook for an additional minute until golden brown.
5. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of oil to serve.
    

Yogurt is a great marinade for meat; it makes it very tender and juicy.

Greek-inspired grilled chicken

In this recipe, the acid in the lemon and yogurt marinade tenderises and flavours the chicken with time. Makes enough for two.

You will need:

2 chicken breasts, cubed
10 tablespoons plain yogurt
4 cloves of garlic, grated
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon chilli powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt, plus extra to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix the yogurt, garlic, spices, and lemon juice in a container. Mix in the chicken cubes. Cover and put in the fridge for at least one hour and up to overnight.
2. Grill the chicken in a pan over medium heat, or skewer and cook on a barbecue until golden brown. Finish with extra salt if needed.
3. Serve with the yogurt flatbreads, tzatziki, salad, or anything else you want.

Hong Kong-inspired Frappuccinos you can make at home

Tzatziki pairs perfectly with the Greek chicken mentioned above.

Tzatziki dip

This yogurt dip is delicious with bread, meat, vegetables, and even crisps.

You will need:

250 ml plain yogurt
2 cloves of garlic, grated
1 small cucumber, grated
Juice of ½ lemon
Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Using a tea towel, squeeze the excess water from the grated cucumber, and mix it in a jar with the yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Close the jar
2. This can keep for up to two weeks in the fridge
    

This easy face mask will leave your skin feeling hydrated.

Face mask

The yogurt will gently exfoliate and moisturise your face. (Note: Don’t use it on the rest of your body)

You will need:

1 teaspoon yogurt
1 teaspoon honey
2 teaspoons facial clay powder
Splash of apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. Mix the ingredients in a small dish until there are no lumps.
2. Apply to your face. Leave for 15 minutes until it dries. Then wash off, and apply moisturiser.