More and more Singaporean kitchens now boast of plain yoghurt with its creamy texture and tangy taste. Traditionally associated with Western cuisines, this versatile ingredient can create delicious outside-of-the-box additions to local dishes.
Plain yoghurt is available to buy from most local supermarkets and speciality food stores, so it is an easy ingredient for home cooking. Here's how you can creatively use plain yoghurt in some of your favourite Singaporean recipes.
1. Yoghurt-Based Curry Marinades for Satay and BBQ
Transform your satay marinades by incorporating plain yoghurt as a base ingredient. Yoghurt’s natural enzymes are quite tenderising, and the creamy texture allows your marinade to coat each piece perfectly. With yoghurt, this combination of spices—turmeric, coriander, and lemongrass—provides a slightly more complex taste while keeping the meat moist on the grill.
You should marinate your chicken, mutton, or beef in plain yoghurt and spices for at least 4 hours for best results. The acidity in yoghurt helps break down proteins, leaving meat that’s extra tender and flavoured. This technique works particularly well for BBQ gatherings at East Coast Park or your void deck gatherings.
2. Healthier Twist on Curry Fish Head
Incorporate plain yoghurt to give your curry fish head a lighter but equally creamy texture. Instead of using solely coconut milk, replace half the amount with thick, plain yoghurt. It’s a friendly substitution that slashes calories and adds some nice tang with subtle but glorious flavour that plays so wonderfully with the curry spices.
The trick is to add the yoghurt at the end of cooking and warm it gently to not curdle. Comparatively, the price of plain yoghurt might be a tiny bit more than coconut milk, but this modification keeps the rich mouthfeel of the dish and, at the same time, contributes probiotics and reduces saturated fat. In turn, this results in a lighter on the stomach but more nuanced-tasting curry than tradition.
3. Modern Take on Rojak Sauce
Reinvent your rojak sauce by adding a dollop of plain yoghurt to the traditional prawn-paste mixture. The yoghurt's tanginess beautifully balances the sweet and savoury elements while adding a creamy dimension to this beloved local salad. This modification creates a more complex flavour profile that still honours the dish's authentic roots.
With convenient delivery options from various supermarkets and online grocers, you can easily stock up on plain yoghurt to experiment with this modern take on rojak sauce. Mix one part of plain yoghurt with four parts of traditional Rojak sauce for the best results. The yoghurt adds creaminess and helps the sauce better coat each ingredient in your rojak.
4. Yoghurt-Based Dips for Roti Prata
Making dips with yoghurt can result in interesting sides for your roti prata. For a cool take on the classic curry accompaniment, combine plain yoghurt with curry powder, mint, and lime juice. These dips offer a lighter alternative while adding new dimensions to your Prata experience.
Experiment with different combinations, like yoghurt with sambal for a spicy kick or yoghurt with garlic and herbs for a Mediterranean-fusion approach. These dips not only complement the buttery texture of Prata but also provide a cooling effect that's perfect for Singapore's climate.
5. Overnight Oats with Local Flavours
Blend Singaporean breakfast favourites with the global overnight oats trend by using plain yoghurt as your base. Blend rolled oats with plain yoghurt and mix local ingredients such as gula melaka, pandan extract or mango puree. This fusion makes breakfast a lovely blend of overnight oats and delicious local flavours.
Plain yoghurt is so tangy and well matched with the sweetness of gula melaka or even fresh tropical fruits. Wake up to a breakfast that’s not only nutritious but also celebrates local flavours that you’ve prepared the night before. For added texture, top with fresh coconut flakes or chopped nuts.
6. Modern Dessert Renditions
Transform traditional desserts by incorporating plain yoghurt into your recipes. Use it as a healthier substitute in kueh recipes or create a yoghurt-based pengat pisang. With a modern twist, it still keeps the essence of these legendary desserts.
If you want a modern chendol, layer plain yoghurt with red beans, green jelly, and gula melaka syrup. You can also use Greek yoghurt or some other type of yoghurt if you wish. The tangy yoghurt contrast cuts through the sweetness but gives the dessert some depth. This fusion approach appeals to both traditional taste preferences and modern health consciousness.
Final Thoughts
Mixed with Singaporean recipes, plain yoghurt provides the blank canvas for more healthful, imaginative creations of old favourites. Yoghurt, whether you want to reduce calories, add protein, or just try something new with a flavour, is a very versatile ingredient in a modern Singaporean kitchen. Thoughtfully adding this ingredient into local recipes allows you to blend tradition and new dietary preferences, creating exciting fusion dishes.
If you're inspired to start your culinary journey with plain yoghurt, look no further than right here with Alvas Dairy for the freshest and highest quality products. Our range of plain natural yoghurts is perfect for experimenting with traditional and modern recipes alike. Visit our website or local stores today to discover how Alvas Dairy can enhance your Singaporean dishes with a healthy and delicious twist.
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