Biryani has been the most popular dish all over India since the Mughal empire. Now it is widely preferable for its taste, texture, and smell.
There are some key ingredients that must be put in biryani to resemble the authenticity, like Yogurt.
Yogurt brings richness to the consistency and also helps with digestion. But vegan or lactose intolerance can’t take yogurt, so for them, I bring some best alternatives to substitute for yogurt in biryani without renouncing the taste.
What can I substitute for yogurt in biryani?
1. GREEK YOGURT
If you want to make a healthier version of biriyani, you can substitute greek yogurt for yogurt in the recipe. Greek yogurt is a fantastic source of protein and probiotics, and it can help to add creaminess and flavor to the dish.
Just be sure to use a full-fat variety so that the dish doesn’t become too watery.
2. I use cream instead of yogurt in biryani
When making a biriyani, you can substitute cream for yogurt. This will give the dish a richer flavor and make it more filling. Just be sure to add extra spices to balance out the sweetness of the cream.
There are many ways to use cream in recipes. It can be used as a thickener, added to soups or sauces for extra creaminess, or used in baking recipes to create rich and moist desserts.
Here are some ideas for using cream in your cooking:
-Add a dollop of whipping cream to coffee or hot chocolate for a rich and creamy drink.
-Top a slice of pie or cake with whipped cream for a delicious dessert.
-Make a creamy pasta sauce by adding cream to your favorite recipe.
-Use cream instead of milk in baking recipes to create a richer flavor and texture.
-Thicken soups or stews with a bit of cream for extra creaminess.
-Make a scalloped potato dish even more decadent by using heavy cream instead of milk.
-Add a splash of cream to fruit salads or desserts for a richer flavor.
3. SOUR CREAM
To make biryani with a yogurt-based gravy, simply substitute sour cream for the yogurt. The end result will be a slightly richer and more flavorful biryani. If you find that the sour cream is too heavy, you can thin it out by adding some water or milk.
Sour cream is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in all sorts of recipes. Here are some ways you can use it to enhance your dishes:
– Add sour cream to soups and stews for extra creaminess and flavor.
– Use it as a topping for baked potatoes, chili, or tacos.
– Stir it into macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, or other casseroles.
– Make a quick and easy dip by mixing sour cream with seasonings like chili powder or garlic salt.
– Use sour cream as a base for salad dressings or sauces.
– Thick and creamy sour cream makes an excellent replacement for mayonnaise in many recipes. Try it in potato salad, chicken salad, or deviled eggs.
4. CASHEW CREAM- VEGAN
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option for your biryani, why not try using cashew cream in place of yogurt?
This creamy, nutty ingredient will add a delicious richness to your dish without the need for any dairy. Simply substitute an equal amount of cashew cream for yogurt in your recipe and enjoy!
Cashew cream can be used in a variety of different recipes. Some popular dishes that include cashew cream are cashew chicken, cashew stir fry, and cashew curry.
This creamy ingredient can also be used as a base for soups or sauces. Cashew cream is also a popular choice for making vegan cheese replacements.
When used in baking recipes, cashew cream can add a delicious richness to cakes, cookies, and other desserts.
5. ALMOND CREAM- VEGAN
To make a delicious almond cream biryani, simply substitute almond cream for yogurt in the recipe. This will give the dish a lovely creamy texture and a subtle almond flavor. Enjoy!
Almond cream is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. It can be used as a spread on toast or crackers or as a filling in cakes and pastries. It can also be used to make creamy sauces and soups.
When using almond cream in cooking, it is important to remember that it is a very rich ingredient and should be used sparingly. A little goes a long way!
Here are some delicious recipes that feature almond cream:
Creamy almond soup: This soup is made by blending blanched almonds with chicken broth, onion, garlic, and spices. It is then thickened with cornstarch and served garnished with chopped almonds and parsley.
6. PLANT MILK
Substitute plant milk for yogurt in biryani by using any of the following vegan-friendly options: coconut milk, almond milk, cashew milk, or soy milk.
Simply swaps out the dairy yogurt for an equal amount of your chosen plant milk. Note that coconut milk will add a slight sweetness to the dish, while soy milk will keep it more savory.
If you want a richer flavor, go for cashew or almond milk. These substitutes will work well in both cooked and raw biryani recipes.
Read more: Famous Rice Vinegar substitute
If you want a dairy-free biryani that still has a bit of tanginess, add some lemon juice or vinegar to the plant milk before using it as a yogurt substitute. This will help to replicate the flavor of yogurt without using any dairy products.
Plant milk can be used in various recipes, both sweet and savory. Here are some ideas to get you started:
-Add plant milk to your favorite pancake or waffle recipe for a lighter, fluffier result.
-Use plant milk instead of dairy milk when making creamy soups or sauces.
-Whisk plant milk with some spices and use it as a marinade for chicken or tofu.
-Make a breakfast smoothie using plant milk, fresh fruit, and yogurt.
-Stir plant milk into oatmeal or hot cereal for a Creamy texture.
It is also a great non-dairy alternative for baking. Cookies, cakes, and quick bread will all turn out beautifully with plant milk in place of dairy milk.
Just keep in mind that plant milk can vary in thickness, so you may need to adjust the amount you use depending on the recipe. When in doubt, add a little less than called for and then add more if needed.
One final note on plant milk: it is very perishable, so be sure to check the expiration date before using it. If stored in the fridge, plant milk will usually last about a week. Open plant milk should be used within a few days.
Here are some recipes that use plant milk:
-Pancakes
-Waffles
-Soups and sauces
-Smoothies
-Oatmeal or hot cereal
-Baked goods
7. Mascarpone
If you want to substitute mascarpone for yogurt in your biryani, you will need to use a 1:1 ratio. This means that for every 1 cup of mascarpone, you will need to use 1 cup of yogurt.
Mascarpone is a very rich and creamy cheese, so it will add a lot of depth and flavor to your dish. You may need to adjust the other ingredients accordingly. For example, if your recipe calls for 2 cups of yogurt, you may only need 1 cup of rice.
It’s perfect for making rich sauces and velvety desserts. Here’re a few of our favorite ways to use mascarpone in the kitchen.
– Make a decadent mac and cheese by stirring in mascarpone before baking.
– Use it as a filling for ravioli or tortellini.
– Stir into soups or stews for an extra creamy texture.
– Dollop onto fresh berries or slices of stone fruit for a quick and easy dessert.
– Whisk into scrambled eggs for a richer breakfast dish.
– Make a simple yet elegant pasta sauce by simmering mascarpone with garlic and sage.
– Use it as a spread for crostini or bruschetta. Top with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
8. HEAVY CREAM
Heavy cream can be used in various recipes to add richness and flavor. It is commonly used in soups, stews, sauces, and other savory dishes.
It can also be used in sweet recipes such as pies, puddings, and ice cream. Heavy cream is also a popular ingredient in many baking recipes.
You can substitute heavy cream for yogurt in biryani, though the results will be slightly different.
The biryani will likely be richer and more flavorful with heavy cream. If you’re looking to lighten up the dish, though, yogurt is probably the better choice.
9. Milk
In biryani, milk can be used as a substitute for yogurt. When using milk as a substitute, it is best to use whole milk for a richer flavor.
To prevent the milk from curdling, add a little bit of flour to it before adding it to the dish. Cook the biryani over low heat so that the milk does not curdle.
10. Curd
Curd can be used in a variety of cooked dishes, such as sauces, stews, curries, and casseroles.
It can also be utilized as a topping or filling for pies, pastries, and other baked goods. Curd can also be used to make cheesecake, ice cream, and other desserts.
When making a biryani, you can substitute curd for yogurt. This will give the dish a slightly tangy flavor. If you do not have curd on hand, you can also use plain yogurt.
11. Kefir
There are many ways to use kefir in your cooking. You can use it as a base for soups and stews or add it to smoothies and juices.
It can also be used in baking recipes or simply enjoyed on its own as a refreshing drink. However you choose to enjoy kefir, it’s a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet!
You can substitute kefir for yogurt in biryani. Kefir is a fermented milk product with a tangy flavor and slightly thick consistency, similar to yogurt. When substituting kefir for yogurt in biryani, use an equal amount.
12. Skyr
Skyr is a traditional Icelandic yogurt that can be used in various recipes. It has a thick, creamy texture that makes it perfect for use in dips, sauces, and dressings.
Skyr can also be used as a substitute for sour cream or yogurt in baking recipes.
When substituting skyr for these ingredients, it is important to remember that skyr is a high-protein yogurt and will add more protein to the recipe.
For this reason, skyr is often used in breakfast or post-workout shakes. Whether you’re looking for a healthy alternative to traditional dairy products or just want to experiment with new recipes, skyr is a great choice.
Try using skyr in any of these recipes:
-Dips and sauces: Skyr can be used as a base for dips and sauces. Simply add your favorite spices and herbs to create a flavorful dip or sauce.
-Baked goods: Substitute skyr for sour cream or yogurt in baking recipes. This will add additional protein to the recipe.
–Shakes and smoothies: Add skyr to breakfast or post-workout shakes for an extra boost of protein.
-Soups and stews: Use skyr instead of cream or milk to thicken soups and stews.
– Salad dressings: Make a healthy salad dressing by combining skyr, olive oil, and vinegar.
-Frozen treats: Make healthy frozen yogurt or ice cream by blending skyr with fruit and sweeteners.
To substitute skyr for yogurt in biryani, simply use an equal amount of skyr in place of the yogurt called for in the recipe.
Skyr is a delicious, healthy alternative to yogurt that will add a unique flavor to your biryani. Give it a try!
I skip yogurt in biryani.
Read More- What can we use instead of yogurt?
FAQs on Substitute for yogurt in biryani
Q1. Can I make biryani without yogurt?
Yes, you can make biryani without yogurt. There are many recipes that do not call for yogurt, and you can easily find them online or in cookbooks.
However, keep in mind that yogurt does add a unique flavor and texture to the dish, so it may not taste exactly the same without it.
If you decide to make biryani without yogurt, use good quality Basmati rice and plenty of spices to give it plenty of flavors.
Q2. What can I use instead of yogurt for chicken?
Some people use sour cream, buttermilk, or even mayonnaise as substitutes for yogurt in chicken recipes. These all have a similar tangy flavor that can help to enhance the taste of the dish.
If you’re searching for a healthier option, plain yogurt is always a good choice. It is lower in fat and calories than sour cream or mayonnaise, and it will still give your chicken recipe a delicious flavor.
Q3. Can I use milk instead of yogurt to marinate chicken?
You can use milk instead of yogurt to marinate chicken, but the flavor will be different. Yogurt is more tangy and acidic, while milk is creamy and sweet.
So, it really depends on what kind of flavor you’re going for. If you want a more traditional flavor, go with yogurt. If you’re looking for something sweeter, go with milk.
Q4. Yogurt substitute in butter chicken
If you’re searching for a delicious and healthy yogurt substitute for your butter chicken, look no further than our very own Greek yogurt!
Our Greek yogurt is packed with protein and calcium, making it the perfect way to add some extra nutrition to your favorite Indian dish.
Plus, it’s super easy to make at home – just mix some plain yogurt with water, add a little salt and spices, Try heavy cream and cashew paste, and you’re good to go!