Easy Homemade Sugar-Free Dates Flavored Yogurt Recipe
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Easy Homemade Sugar-Free Dates Flavored Yogurt, a delightful dessert that’s both healthy and decadent, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. This homemade yogurt is sweetened naturally with dates, without any added sugar, preservatives, or gelatin. The rich flavor of dates infuses into the yogurt, creating a smooth, velvety texture that’s both satisfying and wholesome. Enjoy this guilt-free treat after meals or as a mid-day snack!
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Indian
- Course: Dessert
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk (boiled and cooled) | 500 ml |
| Milk Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Dates (pitted) | 1/2 cup (plus 2 chopped dates for garnish) |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 2 teaspoons |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~100-120 kcal |
| Protein | ~5g |
| Carbohydrates | ~25g |
| Fat | ~3g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sugar (Natural from Dates) | ~20g |
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on the specific ingredients used and portion size.)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Date Paste
To begin making your sugar-free yogurt, blend the dates with just enough milk to create a smooth, fine paste. Once blended, pass the date paste through a fine sieve to remove any residual skin, ensuring a silky texture.
Step 2: Heat the Milk
In a saucepan, heat the remaining milk over low to medium heat. Once it reaches a warm temperature, stir in the milk powder and mix thoroughly to ensure it dissolves completely.
Step 3: Incorporate Date Paste
Add the smooth date paste to the milk mixture, whisking continuously until the dates are well combined into the milk, resulting in a smooth and creamy consistency. Keep the heat low to avoid boiling; remove the mixture from the heat once it’s hot but not boiling.
Step 4: Cool the Mixture
Let the date-flavored milk mixture cool down to a lukewarm temperature. You should be able to dip your clean finger into the milk for about 10 seconds without feeling discomfort. It’s crucial not to let it cool too much, as the temperature needs to be just right for the yogurt culture to activate.
Step 5: Add Yogurt Culture
Once the mixture has cooled to the right temperature, gently stir in the plain yogurt (curd) to act as the starter culture. Whisk it in until fully combined and smooth.
Step 6: Incubate the Yogurt
Pour the date-flavored milk mixture into the containers where you want your yogurt to set. Now, it’s time to incubate. There are several ways to do this:
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Method 1: Place the containers in an insulated container with a lid, leaving it undisturbed for 6 to 8 hours, or until the yogurt sets to your liking. The incubation time can vary depending on the type of culture used and the desired consistency—shorter for a mild yogurt and longer for a tangier taste.
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Method 2: If you have an oven, preheat it to 120°F (50°C), then turn it off. Place the yogurt containers inside, close the oven door, and leave the oven light on. This method can also take 4 to 6 hours, depending on the tartness level you prefer.
Step 7: Refrigerate
Once the yogurt has set to your liking, transfer the containers to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop fully.
Serving Suggestions
Once chilled, your Easy Homemade Sugar-Free Dates Flavored Yogurt is ready to serve! Garnish with extra chopped dates on top for a lovely, natural touch of sweetness. This yogurt pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes, making it a great dessert or a light, refreshing snack.
Serve it as a delicious dessert after meals like:
- Paneer Pulao with Green Peas
- Yellow Pumpkin Dal
- Kachumber Salad with Cucumber, Onion & Tomatoes
This healthy, sugar-free yogurt not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also provides a nourishing and wholesome finish to your meal.
Why This Recipe Works
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Naturally Sweetened: The use of dates as the only sweetener makes this yogurt a healthy choice, keeping the sugar content in check while still providing that natural caramel-like sweetness.
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No Added Sugar or Preservatives: With this recipe, you know exactly what’s going into your yogurt—pure, wholesome ingredients with no hidden preservatives or artificial sweeteners.
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Easy to Make: The process is simple and requires minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for those looking to prepare fresh, homemade yogurt with minimal effort.
Tips for Perfecting Your Yogurt:
- Consistency: For a thicker yogurt, you can add more milk powder or allow a longer incubation time. For a smoother, thinner yogurt, reduce the milk powder and shorten the incubation time.
- Temperature Control: Ensuring the mixture is at the correct lukewarm temperature (between 100°F – 110°F or 37°C – 43°C) is key to activating the yogurt culture successfully.
- Tarter Yogurt: If you enjoy a more tangy yogurt, let it incubate for a longer period, and the taste will develop a nice, sour undertone.
This Easy Homemade Sugar-Free Dates Flavored Yogurt is a great way to indulge in a healthy dessert, especially for those who are conscious about sugar intake but still crave a sweet treat. Perfect for all ages, it offers a delicious, nutrient-rich option that’s both satisfying and wholesome. Enjoy it chilled, topped with extra dates for a truly refreshing dessert experience!
