Yogurt soup

Yogurt is a versatile ingredient enjoyed in many cultures worldwide. Made by fermenting milk with "yogurt cultures" it transforms lactose into lactic acid, giving yogurt its distinctive tangy flavor and creamy texture. While cow's milk is the most common base, yogurt can also be made from the milk of water buffalo, goats, ewes, mares, camels, and yaks.

Here's a look at some delicious yogurt-based dishes, soups, condiments, and beverages from around the globe:

Dishes

- Churri: A traditional yogurt-based dish enjoyed in various regions.

- Çılbır: A Turkish specialty featuring poached eggs served with yogurt.

- Clabber: A fermented milk product resembling yogurt.

- Jameed: A hard, dry yogurt used in Jordanian cuisine.

- Kashk: A Persian dairy product made from drained yogurt.

- Kibbeh Labanieh: A Middle Eastern dish consisting of meat-filled bulgur dumplings in yogurt sauce.

- Mishti Doi: A sweetened yogurt dessert from India.

- Shrikhand: An Indian dessert made from strained yogurt, flavored with cardamom and saffron.

- Zhoixo: A lesser-known but equally delightful yogurt-based dish.

Soups

- Ash-e Doogh: A Persian yogurt soup with herbs and chickpeas.

- Cacık/Tarator: A Turkish or Balkan cold yogurt soup with cucumber and garlic.

- Dovga: An Azerbaijani yogurt soup with herbs and rice.

- Tarator: A Bulgarian cold soup made with yogurt, cucumber, and walnuts.

- Toyga Soup: A Turkish yogurt soup with wheat and mint.

- Shakriya: A Syrian yogurt soup with meat and pine nuts.

- Yayla Çorbası: A Turkish soup made with yogurt, rice, and mint.

- Okroshka: A Russian cold soup with yogurt, vegetables, and occasionally meat.

- Trahanas: A Greek fermented grain soup with yogurt.

Condiments

- Dahi Chutney: An Indian yogurt-based condiment with spices.

- Greek Yogurt/Labneh: Thick, strained yogurt often used as a dip or spread.

- Perugu Pachadi: A South Indian yogurt-based side dish with vegetables.

- Raita: An Indian yogurt condiment with cucumber, mint, and spices.

- Tzatziki: A Greek yogurt dip with cucumber, garlic, and dill.

Beverages

- Acidophiline: A fermented milk drink similar to yogurt.

- Ayran: A Turkish yogurt drink mixed with water and salt.

- Borhani: A spicy yogurt drink from Bangladesh.

- Chaas: An Indian buttermilk drink spiced with cumin.

- Chal: A Central Asian fermented camel milk drink.

- Doogh: A Persian yogurt drink with mint.

- Lassi: A popular Indian yogurt drink, which can be sweet or salty.

- Leben: A fermented milk drink from the Middle East.

- Mattha: An Indian spiced buttermilk.

- Matzoon: An Armenian fermented milk drink.

- Nai Lao: A Chinese yogurt drink.

- Omaere: A fermented milk drink from Namibia.

- Qatiq: A Central Asian fermented milk product.

- Ryazhenka: A traditional Ukrainian fermented milk drink.

- Stewler: A lesser-known yogurt drink.

- Yakult: A Japanese probiotic drink made from fermented milk.

From savory dishes to refreshing beverages, yogurt plays a starring role in many culinary traditions, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures.