Peanut Dahi
A creamy, dairy-free alternative to traditional yogurt made from blended peanuts. This plant-based dahi has a subtle nutty flavor and a delightful tang, perfect for raitas, marinades, or enjoying on its own. Note: This recipe requires significant inactive time for soaking and fermentation.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 5 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Soak the Peanuts (6-8 hours)
- b.Rinse the raw peanuts thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dust.
- c.Place the rinsed peanuts in a large bowl and cover them with at least 3-4 inches of fresh water.
- d.Let the peanuts soak for a minimum of 6-8 hours, or overnight. Soaking softens them for a creamier blend and helps reduce phytic acid.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Peanut Milk (5 minutes)
- b.Drain the soaking water completely and discard it. Give the peanuts another quick rinse.
- c.Transfer the soaked peanuts to a high-speed blender.
- d.Add 3.5 cups of fresh water. Blend on high speed for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and free of any grit.
- e.For the smoothest dahi, strain the milk through a nut milk bag or a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth. Squeeze well to extract all the liquid. This step is crucial for a non-gritty texture.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Culture and Ferment the Dahi (8-12 hours)
- b.Pour the strained peanut milk into a clean saucepan. Gently warm it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is lukewarm. The ideal temperature is 38-40°C (100-104°F). It should feel comfortably warm to a clean finger, like a baby's bottle. Do not boil or overheat, as this will kill the cultures.
- c.Transfer the lukewarm milk to a clean, dry glass, ceramic, or steel container.
- d.Gently drop in the green chilies with their stems intact. The stems contain natural microbes that will initiate fermentation.
- e.Cover the container with a lid (do not seal it tightly) and place it in a warm, dark, and draft-free place like a cupboard or a turned-off oven.
- f.Allow it to ferment undisturbed for 8-12 hours. The time will vary depending on the ambient temperature. In warmer climates, it may set in as little as 6 hours.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Chill and Serve (3-4 hours)
- b.Once the dahi has set (it will be thick and slightly wobbly, not runny), gently remove and discard the green chilies.
- c.Place the set dahi in the refrigerator to chill for at least 3-4 hours. Chilling helps it to firm up further and develops its flavor.
- d.Before serving, you can stir in the optional salt. Serve chilled as you would with regular dahi.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use raw, unsalted peanuts for the best neutral flavor. Roasted peanuts will create a dahi with a strong peanut butter taste.
- 2The fermentation time is highly dependent on your climate. In warmer weather, check it after 6 hours; in colder weather, it might take up to 16 hours.
- 3For a guaranteed set, you can use 2-3 tablespoons of a previous batch of this dahi or 1/4 teaspoon of a commercial vegan yogurt starter culture instead of chili stems.
- 4For a thicker, Greek yogurt-style dahi, use slightly less water (around 3 cups) when blending.
- 5Save a few tablespoons of your set dahi to use as a starter for your next batch. This creates a more reliable and flavorful culture over time.
- 6Store the finished dahi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The tanginess will increase as it ages.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cashew Dahi
For an even creamier and milder dahi, substitute the peanuts with an equal amount of raw cashews. The process remains the same.
Thicker 'Greek Style' DahiThicker 'Greek-Style' Dahi
After the dahi has set and chilled, line a sieve with cheesecloth, place it over a bowl, and pour the dahi in. Let it strain in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours to remove excess whey, resulting in a much thicker product.
Sweet Vegan LassiSweet Vegan Lassi
Blend 1 cup of the finished peanut dahi with 1/2 cup of water, 1-2 tablespoons of sugar or maple syrup, and a pinch of cardamom powder for a delicious and refreshing sweet lassi.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Promotes Gut Health
The fermentation process cultivates beneficial probiotics that support a healthy gut microbiome, aiding digestion, improving nutrient absorption, and boosting overall immunity.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Peanuts are an excellent source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health by helping to lower 'bad' LDL cholesterol levels.
Excellent Dairy-Free Alternative
An ideal choice for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies, this dahi provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor without any animal products.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
This dahi offers a significant amount of plant-based protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle function, and maintaining satiety.
Frequently asked questions
One serving (approximately 1 cup or 250g) of this Vegan Peanut Dahi contains around 305-315 calories, primarily from the healthy fats and protein in the peanuts.