What is Hung Yogurt?
Hung yogurt gets its name from the way it is prepared. It is enjoyed around the world in many different cultures. Sometimes the yogurt is thinned out to make a different version. Different ingredients can also be added to the yogurt to change the taste from sweet to savory. It is usually served as a side dish to a larger meal.
How It's Made
Hung yogurt originated in Greece and is made by slowly straining yogurt through cheesecloth. The yogurt is placed on the cheesecloth and hung over a bowl. The yogurt usually hangs for 24 hours. During this time, the water and whey in the yogurt strain through the cheesecloth and into the bowl. The yogurt that is left is thick and creamy.
Recipes Around The World
- In Greece, Hung yogurt is combined with cucumbers, garlic, dill, salt, pepper and olive oil and served cold.
- In Turkey, the dish is served as a side to meat. It is often thinned out to make soup or used as a dressing for a salad.
- In Iraq, hung yogurt is served with alcoholic beverages.
- In the Republic of Macedonia, Bulgaria and Serbia, the yogurt is served as an appetizer.
Health Benefits
- Hung yogurt contains probiotics that help keep the body's digestive tract functioning properly.
- The live cultures in Hung yogurt can help prevent and treat yeast infections in women.
- Hung yogurt is known to help ease the symptoms of constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Hung yogurt is a low-fat food and a good source of calcium which makes it a great alternative to desserts.