Plain Dahi
A simple, homemade creamy yogurt, essential in Indian cuisine. This recipe guides you through setting thick, luscious dahi at home with just two ingredients, perfect for raitas or as a cooling side dish to any meal.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
TIPBoiling the milk helps to thicken it, which results in a creamier dahi. - 2
Step 2
TIPIf the milk is too hot, it will kill the bacteria in the starter. If it's too cold, the dahi won't set properly. - 3
Step 3
- a.Take the yogurt starter in a small bowl and add a few tablespoons of the lukewarm milk to it.
- b.Whisk well until the starter is smooth and free of lumps.
- c.Pour this mixture back into the pot of lukewarm milk and stir gently to combine everything.
- 4
Step 4
TIPIn colder weather, you can wrap the container in a warm towel or place it inside a turned-off oven with the light on to maintain a consistent temperature. - 5
Step 5
- 6
Step 6
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the thickest dahi, use full-fat, pasteurized milk.
- 2Always use a fresh, good-quality starter. If your starter is old or sour, your dahi will be too.
- 3Do not disturb the dahi while it is setting. Moving it can break the curd formation.
- 4In summers, dahi sets faster (4-6 hours), while in winters it might take longer (10-12 hours).
- 5Store homemade dahi in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for the best taste.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
To make a vegan version, use soy milk or almond milk and a vegan yogurt starter. The setting process may vary slightly.
dairy freeDairy free
Use a plant-based milk like coconut milk or cashew milk along with a dairy-free yogurt culture to set the yogurt.
quickQuick
If you have an Instant Pot, you can use the 'Yogurt' function to set the dahi in about 4-5 hours, providing a consistent temperature.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Probiotics
Homemade dahi is packed with live bacterial cultures that improve gut health, aid digestion, and boost immunity.
Excellent Source of Calcium
Dahi is a great source of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for developing and maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Good Quality Protein
It provides high-quality protein that is easily digestible, helping with muscle repair and overall body function.
Cooling Effect
Dahi has a natural cooling effect on the body, making it a perfect food to consume during hot weather or to balance a spicy meal.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, plain dahi is very healthy. It's an excellent source of probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health. It's also rich in calcium for strong bones and protein for muscle maintenance.