How to Make Fresh Homemade Hung Curd | Easy DIY with IKEA Salad Spinner | Probiotic, Low-Fat Cream Alternative

 HUNG CURD / YOGURT

Hung curd


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: Cooktwirl
Photography 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.

Hung curd made from Ikea salad spinner


Ingredients

One tub of yogurt equal to 1Kg

One tub of yogurt
Tub of yogurt


Recipe Step-by-Step

Step-1

Take the Ikea Salad Spinner.

Ikea Salad Spinner
IKEA Salad Spinner


Step-2

Remove the lid from the salad spinner.


Remove the lid from the salad spinner
Remove the lid

Step-3

Take the basket out of the salad spinner.

Take the basket out of the salad spinner
Remove the Basket

Step-4

Place the water glass upside down inside the salad spinner.

Place the water glass upside down
Place the water glass 


Step-5

Place the nylon mesh strainer on top of the water glass to collect the whey that drips out.

Place the nylon mesh strainer on top of the water glass
Place the mesh strainer


Step-6

Open the yogurt tub and pour the curd into the strainer.

Open the yogurt tub and pour the curd into the strainer.
Pour the curd

Open the yogurt tub and pour the curd into the strainer.


Step-7

Next, close the lid of the salad spinner.

close the lid
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.

Place the curd in the refrigerator

let it rest 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.

stir the curd gently in a circular motion.


Step-10

The creamy hung curd is now ready to use in various dishes, whether savory or sweet.

 

creamy hung curd is now ready
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.

 

creamy hung curd is now ready
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.

 

hung curd in bowl
Hung Curd / Yogurt

Equipment's Used for the Recipe

Nylon Mesh Strainer

IKEA salad spinner

Water glass

Bowl

Spoon

 

creamy hung curd

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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