Yogurt Salad
Yogurt Salad Recipe from Pakistan with Carrot, Potato, Peas, Mint, and Spices
Introduction
Yogurt salad is a refreshing and healthy dish that is perfect for a light meal or as a side dish. This recipe combines the creaminess of yogurt with the crunchiness of fresh vegetables, making it a delicious and satisfying option for any occasion.
History
Yogurt salad has been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the Middle East, where yogurt has long been a staple ingredient in cooking. The addition of vegetables and spices to yogurt creates a flavorful and nutritious dish that is enjoyed by people all over the world.
Ingredients
- 1 medium carrot, cut into cubes
- 2. 1 medium potato, cut into cubes
- 3. 0.25 cup shelled peas
- 4. 0.25 cup shredded french beans
- 5. 0.5 cup fresh yogurt (curd)
- 6. 1 tbsp each of finely chopped mint and coriander leaves
- 7. 1 tsp chilli powder
- 8. 1 tsp pepper powder
- 9. 0.5 tsp roasted cumin seed powder
- 10. 0.5 tsp garam masala
- 11. salt to taste
How to prepare
- Boil all the vegetables. Beat the yogurt (curd) and add the boiled vegetables, along with the remaining ingredients. Garnish with mint and coriander leaves. Chill the mixture and serve.
Variations
- Add diced cucumber or bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor.
- Mix in some cooked chickpeas or lentils for added protein.
- Drizzle with a little olive oil or lemon juice for a tangy twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to boil the vegetables until they are tender but still slightly crisp to maintain their texture in the salad.
- Use fresh, high-quality yogurt for the best flavor and consistency.
- Adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences - you can add more or less chili powder, pepper, or cumin seed powder as desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve yogurt salad as a side dish with grilled meats or as a light lunch on its own. It pairs well with flatbreads or rice.
Cooking Techniques
Boiling the vegetables until tender and then mixing them with the yogurt and spices creates a creamy and flavorful salad.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use any combination of vegetables in this salad, depending on your preferences and what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs as well.
Make Ahead Tips
Yogurt salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to stir well before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the salad with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color and flavor.
Pairing Recommendations
Yogurt salad pairs well with grilled chicken, lamb, or fish. It also goes well with rice dishes or flatbreads.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply let the salad come to room temperature or enjoy it cold.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 100 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 15g per serving
Fats
Fats: 2g per serving
Proteins
Proteins: 5g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
This salad is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber from the vegetables.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (yogurt) and may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
Summary
Yogurt salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for a light and refreshing meal or side dish.
Summary
Yogurt salad is a versatile and nutritious dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a mix of fresh vegetables, creamy yogurt, and aromatic spices, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy it as a side dish or a light meal for a healthy and satisfying option.
How did I get this recipe?
I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Yogurt Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through a dusty old cookbook that had been sitting on my shelf for years. As I flipped through the pages, a faded piece of paper fell out and fluttered to the floor. I picked it up and saw that it was a handwritten recipe for Yogurt Salad. The ingredients were simple: yogurt, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a few herbs and spices.
I had never heard of Yogurt Salad before, but something about it intrigued me. I remembered my mother telling me stories of her travels to Greece, where she had tried all sorts of delicious Mediterranean dishes. Perhaps this recipe had been passed down to her from a Greek friend or acquaintance.
Excited by the prospect of trying something new, I set out to make the Yogurt Salad that very afternoon. I gathered the ingredients and followed the instructions carefully, chopping the cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces and mixing them with the creamy yogurt. I added a pinch of salt, a sprinkle of fresh dill, and a drizzle of olive oil. The final touch was a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.
As I took my first bite of the Yogurt Salad, I was transported to a sun-drenched terrace overlooking the Aegean Sea. The cool, tangy yogurt paired perfectly with the crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes. The herbs and spices added a depth of flavor that was both comforting and exotic.
I shared the dish with my family that evening, and they were equally enchanted by its unique taste. My husband declared it his new favorite salad, and my children begged me to make it again soon. From that day on, Yogurt Salad became a staple in our household, a dish that always brought a bit of Mediterranean sunshine to our dinner table.
Over the years, I have made the recipe for Yogurt Salad countless times, each time tweaking it slightly to suit my tastes. Sometimes I add a handful of olives or a sprinkle of feta cheese for a bit of extra flavor. Other times, I swap out the dill for mint or parsley, depending on what I have on hand.
I have also shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who have all fallen in love with its simple yet delicious flavors. One friend even told me that she served it at a dinner party and received rave reviews from her guests. It warms my heart to know that a recipe I stumbled upon by chance has brought joy to so many people.
As I sit here reminiscing about the day I discovered the recipe for Yogurt Salad, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary adventures that have shaped my life. From my mother's stories of faraway lands to the dusty old cookbook that sparked my curiosity, each recipe has a story to tell and a memory to cherish. And for that, I am truly thankful.
Categories
| Chile Leaf Recipes | Garam Masala Recipes | Masala Recipes | Mint Recipes | Pakistani Recipes | Pakistani Salads | Pea Recipes | Potato Recipes | Salad Recipes |