Dahi with Chia and Walnuts

Name: Dahi with Chia and Walnuts
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: indian
Ingredients: 3 cup curd (thick, chilled); 0.25 cup water (cold, to adjust consistency); 2 tbsp chia seeds (soaked in 4 tbsp water for 20 minutes); 3 tbsp walnuts (roughly chopped); 1 pinch black salt; 1 pinch salt (regular white salt); 0.5 tsp roasted cumin powder; 1 pinch red chili powder; 1 tbsp mint leaves (finely chopped, for garnish)

RATING

0.0/5

TASTE SCORE

8/10

Cooling, creamy dahi topped with the nutty crunch of walnuts and the jelly-like pop of soaked chia seeds. This quick Indian yogurt bowl works as a light breakfast, a healthy dessert, or a probiotic-rich side. Whisk it fresh with a touch of black salt and roasted cumin for a savory finish.

PREP

COOK

SERVES

1 KATORI

176 cal

SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

For 4 servings

3 cupcurd · thick, chilled¼ cupwater · cold, to adjust consistency2 tbspchia seeds · soaked in 4 tbsp water for 20 minutes3 tbspwalnuts · roughly chopped1 pinchblack salt1 pinchsalt · regular white salt½ tsproasted cumin powder1 pinchred chili powder1 tbspmint leaves · finely chopped, for garnish

NUTRITION · PER SERVING

176

CALORIES · 1 KATORI

Protein11g · 25%

Carbs16g · 36%

Fat8g · 41%

Fiber2g

Sugar13g

Saturated fat2g

Cholesterol11mg

Sodium202mg

Potassium481mg

Phosphorus324mg

How we calculate →

METHOD · 6 STEPS

prep
Soak the chia seeds.
In a small bowl, mix the chia seeds with 4 tablespoons of water. Stir well, then let them sit for 15-20 minutes until they form a thick gel.
TIPStir the chia seeds once or twice in the first 5 minutes to prevent clumps.
mix
Whisk the dahi until smooth.
1.Take the chilled curd in a mixing bowl.
2.Add the cold water and whisk vigorously until completely smooth and creamy with no lumps.
3.The consistency should be thick but spoonable.
mix
Season the dahi.
1.Sprinkle the black salt, regular salt, and roasted cumin powder over the whisked curd.
2.Stir well to combine the seasonings evenly.
TIPRoasted cumin powder adds a smoky depth — use freshly roasted and ground cumin for the best aroma.
assemble
Fold in the chia gel.
Add the soaked chia gel to the seasoned dahi. Gently fold it through to create light swirls — you want to see the chia seeds distributed throughout.
TIPDon't overmix at this stage, or the chia seeds will disappear into the yogurt.
garnish
Top with walnuts and mint.
1.Spoon the dahi mixture into serving katoris or small bowls.
2.Scatter the roughly chopped walnuts over the top.
3.Sprinkle a tiny pinch of red chili powder for a hint of color and warmth.
4.Finish with finely chopped fresh mint leaves.
serve
Serve immediately.
Serve the dahi bowl cold or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with stuffed parathas or can be enjoyed on its own as a light, refreshing snack.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
For the creamiest dahi, use full-fat Greek yogurt and whisk it just until smooth — overwhisking can make it watery.
2
Always soak chia seeds for the full 20 minutes; under-soaked seeds remain crunchy and won't release their jelly-like texture.
3
Toast the walnuts in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes on medium heat to deepen their nutty flavor and add extra crunch.
4
If you prefer a thinner consistency, add cold water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired spoonable texture.
5
Make the chia gel and whisk the dahi up to a day ahead; store them separately in the fridge, then assemble just before serving.
6
Use a mortar and pestle to crush roasted cumin seeds fresh — pre-ground cumin loses its smoky punch very quickly.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

vegan

Vegan

Swap the curd for a thick plant-based yogurt (coconut or soy) and use maple syrup instead of black salt to keep the savory-sweet balance. Ideal for dairy-free or vegan diets.

sweet version

Sweet version

Omit the black salt, red chili, and mint, and stir in 1-2 teaspoons of honey or jaggery powder with a pinch of cardamom. Top with pomegranate arils for a dessert bowl.

high protein

High-protein

Replace half the chia seeds with hemp hearts and add a scoop of unflavored protein powder to the whisked dahi. Boosts protein content for a post-workout snack.

low oil