How to Make Fresh Homemade Hung Curd | Easy DIY with IKEA Salad Spinner | Probiotic, Low-Fat Cream Alternative
HUNG CURD / YOGURT
About Hung Curd / Yogurt
Hung curd is regular curd or yogurt
from which the liquid, known as whey, has been removed. The draining process
results in a thicker, smoother, and more concentrated texture, similar to that
of cream cheese. This hung curd recipe requires just two ingredients—regular
yogurt (or curd) and patience—without the need for special skills or much
equipment. From a 1 kg tub of curd, you can get approximately 530 grams of hung
curd, depending on how much liquid is drained.
Recipe by: CooktwirlPhotography by: Cooktwirl
3 Reasons You’ll Love Hung Curd
Health Benefits: Hung curd is a healthy, high-protein,
lower-fat alternative to cream and sour cream. By removing whey, it becomes
lighter, easier to digest, and lower in fat and calories, while retaining
probiotics that support gut health and digestion, making it a great addition to
a balanced diet.
Versatility: Hung curd serves as a versatile base
for dips, sauces, raita (yogurt salad), dressings, and desserts. Its flavor can
be easily customized—add spices, herbs, or garlic for savory dishes, or mix in
sugar, honey, or fruits for sweet treats.
Cost-Effectiveness and Purity: Since hung curd is homemade from
fresh, natural ingredients, it is cost-effective, free from preservatives and
additives, and a wholesome, naturally sugar-free alternative.
Ingredients
One tub of yogurt equal to 1Kg
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Tub of yogurt |
Recipe Step-by-Step
Step-1
Take the Ikea Salad Spinner.
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IKEA Salad Spinner |
Step-2
Remove the lid from the salad spinner.
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Remove the lid |
Step-3
Take the basket out of the salad
spinner.
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Remove the Basket |
Step-4
Place the water glass upside down
inside the salad spinner.
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Place the water glass |
Step-5
Place the nylon mesh strainer on top
of the water glass to collect the whey that drips out.
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Place the mesh strainer |
Step-6
Open the yogurt tub and pour the curd
into the strainer.
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Pour the curd |
Step-7
Next, close the lid of the salad
spinner.
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Close the lid |
Step-8
Place the salad spinner containing the
curd in the refrigerator and let it rest for 6–7 hours, or overnight.
Step-9
The next day, transfer the curd from the nylon mesh strainer into a bowl and use a spoon to stir the curd gently in a circular motion. This will help break down any lumps and make the texture smooth.
Step-10
The creamy hung curd is now ready to
use in various dishes, whether savory or sweet.
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Creamy Hung Curd |
Watch the Recipe Video for Hung Curd / Yogurt👇
Tips:
Choose thick, full-fat yogurt or curd,
preferably the kind in a tub, as it tends to be thicker. If your yogurt is too
runny, it may not strain properly, resulting in a thin hung curd and less
desirable results.
For the thickest hung curd, strain it
for a longer period, ideally overnight in the fridge. The longer it strains,
the thicker and creamier it becomes.
The liquid drained from the yogurt or
curd is called whey, which is nutritious and can be used in smoothies, as a
base for soups, or for baking breads and pancakes.
For a delicious dessert, mix hung curd
with honey, jaggery, sugar, or sweeteners like stevia or erythritol, and add
fruits or nuts. For savory dishes, add salt, herbs, garlic, vegetables, or
spices to create a salad, dip, or dressing.
If you don’t have a nylon mesh
strainer, you can use a clean kitchen towel (preferably white to avoid color
transfer), a coffee filter, or even cheesecloth. Just ensure that whatever you
use allows the whey to drain easily while keeping the curd contained.
Ikea salad spinners are commonly found
in most homes, making them a convenient tool for making hung curd. However, if
you don't have one, you can use any utensil with a lid to ensure the curd
doesn't dry out when placed in the refrigerator overnight.
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Homemade Hung Curd |
Some ways to use Hung Curd:
Hung curd is commonly used in raita, a
traditional Indian curd🥗 salad mixed with chopped vegetables, spices, fried garlic or
onions, and fresh herbs like mint and coriander for a refreshing side dish.
It can also be used to create dips or
spreads, commonly flavored with🧄 garlic, herbs🌿, or spices.
A great alternative to 🧀cream cheese in
recipes like cheesecakes, and a healthier substitute for cream or sour cream in
many dishes.
An excellent base for marinating
meats, paneer (cottage cheese), or vegetables with spice blends, as its thick
texture helps the marinade stick and enhances the richness of the dish.
Hung curd can be incorporated into
smoothies or 🥣smoothie bowls to add extra creaminess and protein.
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Hung Curd / Yogurt |
Equipment's Used for the Recipe
Nylon Mesh Strainer
IKEA salad spinner
Water glass
Bowl
Spoon
Conclusion:
Hung curd is a versatile and healthy
ingredient that adds unique texture and tangy richness to a variety of dishes.
Whether in savory dips, creamy dressings, delicious desserts, or as a marinade
base, its high-protein, low-fat content makes it a great substitute for cream,
sour cream, or cream cheese. Packed with probiotics, it supports digestive
health and enhances the nutritional value of your meals. If you're looking for
healthier, creamier dishes, hung curd is the perfect choice! Share your hung
curd recipe or method in the comments—let's learn from each other!
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