Greek yogurt is far richer, thicker and tastier than regular yogurt. It is often referred to as “Yogurt Cheese” and “Strained Yogurt”. Greek yogurt is same as Middle Eastern “Labneh” (Yogurt Cheese), only its lighter and non salty. This incredible yogurt has less sweet and more tarter taste. You will be thrilled to learn that Greek yogurt makes a great replacement for cream cheese and sour cream in a number of recipes, so you can now enjoy your favorite foods without any guilt.

Greek yogurt is a rich source of protein and its calcium is easily absorbed by the body. It is low in salt, sugar and carbohydrates. For being nutritious and easily digestible, it is the perfect food for anyone who is watching their weight.

A bowl of plain Greek yogurt can be seasoned with a salt n pepper and different herbs for delicious, healthy and quick dips. It can also be seasoned according to taste and used as a deliciously healthy creamy salad dressing. Or you can add sweetened fruit puree to a bowl of Greek yogurt to make fruit yogurt. Here’s a little surprise for you; Greek yogurt can be used as a healthy substitute in a number of frosting, baking and dessert recipes. Now isn’t that enchanting?

Greek and Middle Eastern cuisine is flooded with Greek yogurt for being highly delicious, nutritious and filling. The most popular Greek sauce “Tzatziki” is completely Greek yogurt based. You can enjoy Greek yogurt as a dip, dressing, dessert, sauce or plain for its nutritional value in your everyday meals.

Homemade Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is traditionally made of sheep’s milk yogurt, but you can also make it with ordinary cow or buffalo’s milk yogurt, depending on the availability. To make Greek yogurt at home, you will require:

• Yogurt

• A large bowl

• A strainer

• A cheesecloth

Making Greek yogurt at home is really simple, though it will take some time and patience. All you need to do is; place a strainer over a large bowl. Now line the strainer with a cheesecloth and empty a container of yogurt in cheesecloth. Now place this bowl in fridge for two hours or more. The yogurt’s whey (water content) will be strained thorough cheesecloth and strainer and will be collected in the large bowl. The process will take some time as the whey will gradually drip. You can discard the whey or use it to prepare curries. A rich and thick Greek yogurt will be left in cheesecloth. Scoop up the Greek yogurt and collect it in a container or jar, secure with a tight lid and refrigerate. It will keep in your refrigerator for up to one week.