Across the Middle East and Caucasus, thick strained yogurts frequently are used in savory dishes to add tangy, cooling flavors and a creamy texture. Often, they are seasoned quite simply—sometimes with little more than a handful of fresh herbs and garlic—yet they flavor boldly. That tradition inspired these easy stir-together dips that are ideal for crudités platters and bread. They also can accompany roasted vegetables and meats, rice and beans, or hearty soups and stews.
For a spicy cilantro yogurt dip, in a small bowl combine 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar, 1 medium garlic clove (finely grated), 1 serrano chili (stemmed, seeded and finely chopped) and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Let stand for about 5 minutes. Stir in ½ cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt and 1 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro (finely chopped). Taste and season with salt. Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.
Or switch the seasonings and add some texture. Combine with the yogurt ⅓ cup roasted red peppers (patted dry and finely chopped), 2 tablespoons chopped toasted walnuts, ¾ teaspoon ground coriander, ½ teaspoon fennel seeds (finely ground), ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with additional chopped toasted walnuts and a pinch of cayenne.
For a spicy cilantro yogurt dip, in a small bowl combine 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar, 1 medium garlic clove (finely grated), 1 serrano chili (stemmed, seeded and finely chopped) and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Let stand for about 5 minutes. Stir in ½ cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt and 1 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro (finely chopped). Taste and season with salt. Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.
Or switch the seasonings and add some texture. Combine with the yogurt ⅓ cup roasted red peppers (patted dry and finely chopped), 2 tablespoons chopped toasted walnuts, ¾ teaspoon ground coriander, ½ teaspoon fennel seeds (finely ground), ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with additional chopped toasted walnuts and a pinch of cayenne.
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And if you're looking for more Milk Street, check out our livestream cooking classes with our favorite chefs, home cooks and friends for global recipes, cooking methods and more.
And if you're looking for more Milk Street, check out our livestream cooking classes with our favorite chefs, home cooks and friends for global recipes, cooking methods and more.
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