9 homemade Greek yogurt recipes for you to enjoy spending less

It is not new that yogurt is successful, both to be consumed pure, as an accompaniment to fruits, cereals or, simply, being an ingredient in the most varied recipes. But, for some time now, a specific type has stood out, being present in large quantities in most supermarkets in the country: Greek yogurt.

This yoghurt is made from the same ingredients as natural yoghurt, however, it receives the addition of mussalin, a substance that does not let the recipe curdle at high temperatures and, in addition, as the whey is removed, its consistency becomes creamier.

Patrícia Cruz, personal diet, Master in Health Sciences from the Faculty of Public Health of the University of São Paulo (USP), member of the Nutrition Department of the Brazilian Association for the Study of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome (ABESO), specialist in nutrition and eating disorders , explains that Greek yogurt is obtained from protein concentrate (whey), skimmed milk, cream. “However, it undergoes a greater ‘drainage’ process, becoming thicker and creamier. It has an even higher concentration of protein and fat,” she says.

The product is already highly appreciated in other countries, such as the United States, but in Brazil, although it is gaining more and more prominence, it is still new to many people. Below you can find delicious ways to make your own Greek yogurt at home, and learn more about its main features.

10 Greek yogurt recipes to make at home

1. Homemade Greek yogurt: the first step is to prepare the basic yogurt recipe and then you need to remove part of the whey to make it more consistent and creamy. You will need a deep bowl, a sieve, and a thin, clean cotton towel.

2. Practical Greek yogurt: In supermarkets, Greek yogurt is more expensive than the regular version, in addition to having more calories. This homemade recipe is delicious, cheap and easy to make. It has a sweetener, but if you need yogurt to prepare savory dishes, just don’t add this ingredient.

3. Special Greek yogurt: it has a thick layer of fat on top (a delicious little cheese) and creamy underneath. Good choice to put over the fruits on the plate! With honey still, it becomes a delicious dessert!

4. Whole yogurt with powdered milk: delicious, it can be consumed with fruits, jams, cereals, granola, jellies or even in the preparation of sauces, breads, pies and cakes.

5. Greek yogurt with cream and condensed milk: you will use milk, cream, plain yogurt and condensed milk. The result is just the right amount of sweet Greek yogurt, much creamier and cheaper than those found in supermarkets.

6. Greek yogurt with sweetener and vanilla: in addition to being light, it is very healthy, free of preservatives and dyes. You will need warm milk, natural full-fat yogurt, sweetener, and vanilla extract.

7. Greek Yogurt with Strawberry Sauce: With a wonderful texture and flavor, this Greek yogurt has a delicious sugar-free strawberry sauce. It also serves as the basis for several other recipes.

8. Greek yogurt with vanilla, honey and fruit syrup: it’s delicious and yields a lot. Although the recipe is laborious (time-consuming), it is not difficult to make. You will basically use milk, plain yogurt, peaches and sugar.

9. Lactose-free Greek yogurt: great tip for those who cannot consume lactose. For this recipe, you will use lactose-free milk, lactose-free natural yogurt, a large pot, pasta strainer and a thin cloth to drain.

Patrícia points out that Greek yogurt can be considered a healthy food, as it has a good concentration of proteins and calcium. The problem is that some of the products available for sale today have many preservatives and additives that can be harmful to health.

So how about preparing your own Greek? Choose your favorite recipe and enjoy the wonderful texture and taste of this yogurt!

Myths and Truths About Greek Yogurt

Below you clarify your main doubts about Greek yogurt:

1. Greek yogurt tastes better than plain yogurt

Truth. This is a very relative issue, but, in general, Greek yogurt tends to be more pleasant, since, with the removal of the whey, the sour flavor is reduced and it gains a creamier consistency.

2. Greek yogurt helps you lose weight

Myth. Patricia explains that it is not possible to make that kind of statement. “The composition of Greek yogurt in the Brazilian market has a higher fat content. However, we already have light/zero versions and if consumed in moderation this product can be part of a healthy diet,” she says.

3. Greek yogurt can lead to weight gain

Truth. Patricia explains that, like any food, if consumed in excess, Greek yogurt can lead to weight gain. “If you exceed the calories needed per day, it will help you gain weight,” she says.

4. All Greek yogurts available in supermarkets are the same

Myth. It is always important to evaluate the product label. “It all depends on the consumer’s objective, but when we think about yogurt, we must pay attention to products with a higher concentration of calcium and lower fat content. This is the focus when choosing”, says Patrícia.

5. Greek yogurt is a source of protein

Truth. Patricia points out that some brands do have a good concentration of protein. Even so, Greek yogurt is usually more suitable (than natural yogurt) for those who practice physical activities, although the difference in this sense is not so significant.

6. Greek yogurt helps improve intestinal transit

Truth. “Products manufactured in Brazilian territory do not present this claim, but, as all yogurt is a source of fermenting bacteria, the well-known lactobacillus, Greek yogurt can indeed help in the proper functioning of the intestine.

7. Greek yogurt is a good source of calcium

Truth. “Greek yogurt is an excellent source of calcium, which will help with bone health,” says the expert.

It is worth noting that Greek yogurt is richer in this nutrient than traditional yogurt.

8. Greek yogurt is high in fat

Truth. Patricia points out that, unfortunately, some brands have a high fat content. This is exactly why it is always interesting to evaluate the labels of the products and, above all, to have guidance from a nutritionist to know if you should include (or not) this food in your diet, taking into account its particularities and objectives.

9. Greek yogurt is not a good ally when making recipes

Myth. Patrícia points out that the natural version of Greek yogurt can be used in puddings, pies, pates, sauces. “It’s even a way to replace excess fat in the diet, that is, we can exclude butter and oil when using Greek yogurt,” she says.

Regarding the amount of sugar, Patricia explains that unflavored versions of Greek yogurt have a lower sugar content. “On the other hand, options with fruit and syrup flavors tend to present a little more”, she says. This reinforces, once again, the importance of evaluating product labels.

Now you know the main differences between Greek yogurt and traditional yogurt, and you even have great recipes to make your homemade Greek yogurt. Remembering that it can be consumed with fruits, jellies, cereals and even in the preparation of sauces, breads, pies, cakes etc. What counts is to use creativity!