Here’s Why Greek Yogurt is This Top Chef’s Secret Ingredient

6 Creative Ways to Use Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a versatile ingredient that can add extra tang and texture to a variety of dishes, just ask Chef and Partner CJ Jacobson of Aba and Ema! From thickening up your soup to enhancing a marinade for your favorite protein, here’s all the ways Chef CJ suggests cooking with Greek yogurt.

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1. As a Dip

Greek yogurt is an easy base for a dip or heartier spread, based on what you mix it with. My go-to Greek yogurt spread at home is to combine 2 cups of plain Greek yogurt mixed with 1 clove of microplaned garlic, olive oil, black pepper and salt to taste. Tastier (and better for you) to enjoy with crudite, chips and crackers over a store-bought dip, for sure. To really pack a flavor punch, blend the ingredients of the dip for five minutes, while this may seem like a long time, it will heat up the yogurt into a garlicky and tangy sauce.

At Ema, guests can order up the seasonal House-Made Labneh which is currently topped with peach, aleppo, honey and basil.

2. To Enhance a Marinade

Greek yogurt makes an excellent marinade for chicken, shrimp, fish, really any protein that you would throw in the oven or on the grill. It maintains moisture and tenderizes the meat while staying light and avoiding using butter or oil. Chef CJ is sharing his recipe for an all-purpose Greek yogurt marinade.* At Aba and Ema, The Grilled Chicken Kebab is a great example of a tender protein that utilizes a Greek yogurt marinade.

Plate of Aba's Chicken Kebab with rice, yogurt marinade and zhoug

ALL-PURPOSE MARINADE:
½ tsp. ground cumin
½ tsp. ground coriander
½ tsp. turmeric
¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
2 cups Greek yogurt

When marinating lamb, add some fresh lime juice for a tangy kick. When marinating pork, you can add some dried oregano and a light splash of sherry vinegar.

3. To Thicken Soup

Greek yogurt can be used to thicken the consistency of soups instead of adding cream. Add as much as you’d like to soups, stews or bisques and stir until it reaches the level of creaminess desired. Alternatively, in pureed soups, simply emulsify with the other ingredients.

4. As a Healthier Topper

Greek yogurt can be used as a topping when you wish to avoid adding sour cream or cheese. Add a dollop to your chili, baked potato, nachos or on top of tacos, and enjoy.

5. In a Salad Dressing

Greek yogurt can be used in house-made vinaigrette as an alternative to emulsifying with eggs. It is equally as bonding and flavorful, and makes your salad an even more health-conscious meal. We make a tahini yogurt dressing for a salad at Aba that tastes similar to a Caesar salad using greek yogurt. At Ema, guests can try the Pan-Roasted Romanesque Cauliflower which is made with a house yogurt and honey.

6. For Breakfast

Try blending your Greek yogurt with açaí or frozen berries and make a smoothie bowl. Add the blended base to a bowl and top with sliced banana, peanut butter, toasted coconut and more fresh berries. This is a surefire way to take your breakfast from bland to bursting with flavor. Pop into Ema for weekend brunch and try the Açaí Bowl topped with blueberry, banana, pomegranate, dukkah, coconut and mint.

We can’t talk Greek yogurt without honoring one of our favorite desserts at both Aba and Ema. The Frozen Greek Yogurt drizzled with olive oil and sea salt is a stunner so be sure to end any meal at Aba or Ema with this signature dessert, spotlighting your new favorite ingredient, Greek yogurt! Make a reservation at Ema. Order carryout and delivery from Ema.
Make a resrvation or order carryout and delivery from the Aba location nearest you.