In Indian homes, dahi is a staple. This thick, creamy yoghurt made from fermented milk is full of probiotics that aid digestion. During summers, a bowl of chilled dahi does wonders in cooling the body down. The smooth, thick texture is immensely satisfying on the palate and provides a feeling of fullness. Dahi helps replenish fluids and electrolytes lost through sweat. The water content in dahi keeps the body hydrated. No wonder dahi is a summertime favourite!
Dahi is thus the perfect food to relish during the intense Indian summer. So grab a bowl of fresh, chilled dahi and prepare these 7 yummy dishes to refresh yourself.
Dahi Tadka
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The easy dahi recipe begins by whisking together dahi and salt to form a smooth mixture, adding fried garlic, cumin, mustard, and curry leaves, and combined with coriander and turmeric. The result is a simple curried dahi that can be enjoyed with breads like roti or paratha, or alongside rice dishes.
Dahi Cold Sandwich
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One tasty way to incorporate dahi into your diet is by making grilled dahi sandwiches. Add chopped or grated veggies with thick dahi or Greek dahi, season with black pepper, dried herbs, chili flakes, and salt for flavour. Spread the dahi-veggie mixture onto buttered bread slices. Grill the sandwiches until crisp and golden. Serve with tomato sauce or green chutney.
Herbed Dahi with Spinach Rice
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When you want a quick, fancy meal, this herbed dahi dish with spinach rice is ready in just 15 minutes. Blend garlic, coriander, butter, and seasonings into dahi for a flavourful topping. Mix pureed spinach into cooked rice for a vibrant side. The tangy, creamy dahi pairs perfectly with the earthy spinach rice. This easy recipe proves you don't need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a restaurant-worthy dinner at home.
Cucumber Dahi Rice
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Cucumber Dahi Rice is a light and comforting dish perfect for hot summer days. With mustard seeds, cumin seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves, make a tasty tadka. Cook basmati rice with dahi and chopped cucumbers. Top with tadka, this rice dish makes a soothing meal on sweltering afternoons when you want something chill and satisfying.
Dahi Kadhi
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Mix dahi, besan (gram flour), and water in a bowl, whisk together until smooth. Prepare the temper with oil or ghee, mustard and cumin seeds, green chilies, minced ginger, curry leaves, and a pinch of hing. Season to taste with salt and finish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve with rice for refreshing meal.
Dahi Dip
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The dahi is mixed with chopped spring onions, roasted garlic, diced tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes. This combination creates a cooling, tangy and slightly spicy dip that complements many foods. It can be served as a dip for chips and nachos. It also makes a refreshing condiment when served alongside Indian breads like naan or rolls.
Mango Raita
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Mango raita is a delicious, refreshing dahi dish from India that balances sweet and tangy flavours. To make it, dahi is whisked until smooth and creamy then mixed with diced ripe mangoes and a tempering of spices like mustard seeds, dried red chilies, and fenugreek fried in ghee, which adds a lovely crackling texture. The sweet mangoes provide a fruity taste and the tart dahi cools the palate. Garnished with fresh herbs, this tangy-sweet raita can be served chilled as a cooling accompaniment to spicy Indian meals or enjoyed on its own as a light snack on a hot day.