The
GREEK YOGURT
Cookbook
Lauren Kelly, CN
Includes over 125 delicious,
nutritious Greek yogurt recipes
Avon, Massachusetts
I dedicate this book to my husband, Steve, and my three amazing children.
Without all of your help taste-tasting, this book just wouldnt be the same.
I love you!
INTRODUCTION
Greek yogurts popularity has skyrocketed in the past few years, and for good reason. In addition to containing the calcium and protein your body needs, it has an unforgettable tangy taste and an irresistible, velvety texture. You may have tried Greek yogurt perhaps you regularly indulge in this cool, creamy treat for breakfast or as an alternative to your regular flavored yogurt. But its use doesnt have to be limited to traditional Mediterranean cuisine or an occasional healthy snack. The Greek Yogurt Cookbook delivers over 125 flavor-packed recipes that show you how to make Greek yogurt a kitchen essential, whether its swirled up in smoothies, stirred into soups, or adding depth of flavor to your main courses.
As a nutritionist, I not only eat Greek yogurt every day, but I recommend it to my clients as well. I have been eating yogurt for as long as I can remember. From the time I was a little girl, eating a small snack cup of strawberry yogurt in my lunch box, to my adult cravings for Greek yogurt as a late-night snack, yogurt has been a go-to staple as a part of a healthy diet. With this complete resource, you too can have all the benefits of yogurt and satisfy your cravings in creative, wholesome ways.
Yogurt, most commonly made from cows milk (although there are varieties made from sheeps and goats milk, as well as soy), is popular in many countries throughout the world. Yogurt is a dairy product created from live bacteria in milk, also known as cultures. But what is the difference between regular yogurt and Greek yogurt? While both can be part of a healthy diet, Greek yogurt does have a significant advantage. Greek yogurt goes through an extra straining process that removes the excess sugars and liquids found in traditional yogurt, leaving the yogurt much thicker. Greek yogurt not only contains much more protein than regular yogurt, it also has a much creamier texture and less sugar. A typical 6-ounce cup of plain Greek yogurt contains roughly 1520 grams of protein, which is the equivalent of 3 eggs, 23 ounces of chicken breast, or 12 ounces of regular yogurt.
Protein is a vital part of every cell in your body. It is necessary for building and maintaining muscles, forming tissues and cells, and strengthening bones, skin, and blood. Eating foods high in protein, like Greek yogurt, also helps to keep you full for longer amounts of time. If youre a vegetarian, adding Greek yogurt to your diet will help your body get the protein it needs for optimal health. There are many vegetarian recipes throughout this cookbook for you to enjoy just look for the symbol!
Greek yogurt is loaded with calcium, a mineral that is essential for maintaining optimum health. Calcium keeps your teeth and bones strong and healthy, and it also helps keep your heart and nerves functioning properly. In addition to calcium, Greek yogurt is packed with live active cultures. These cultures, called probiotics, improve your overall digestive health. They keep the good bacteria in your gut healthy, and can improve your entire immune system. Look for contains live and active cultures on the label of your Greek yogurt container.
The delicious recipes in this book will show you that Greek yogurts popularity is more than just a fleeting food trend; its adaptability, unique flavor, and smooth texture will make it a staple for all cooking styles. If you are looking for a healthier and tastier way to add protein to some of your favorite dishes, let The Greek Yogurt Cookbook be your guide.
Chapter 1
YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO GREEK YOGURT
Yogurt is considered to be one of the oldest foods in history. Some historians think yogurt was around as far back as 9000 B.C. It is believed that yogurt may have been discovered accidentally by earlier civilizations trying to store milk in warm climates. This began the fermentation process of the milk, resulting in what we now know as yogurt. It is thought to have originated in the Middle East, and traditionally it is called Greek yogurt.
In the United States in the mid-twentieth century, there was a major shift toward greater health consciousness and more wholesome foods. As a result of this increasing health food craze in the 1950s and 1960s, yogurts popularity also increased. Americans began adding more and more yogurt to their weekly grocery lists. This increase in demand can be directly attributed to its health benefits, convenience, and taste. Today, yogurt is a common staple in American diets.
Skyrocketing Sales
According to Packagefacts.com, annual sales of Greek yogurt rose to an approximate $1.5 billion in 2012. Sales are projected to reach an astounding $9.3 billion by 2017. That is an incredible increase in sales, and there are many good reasons why!
Practically unknown just a few years ago, Greek yogurt has become the fashionable snack of choice. Greek yogurt has replaced the other more traditional varieties of yogurt due to its increased health benefits and thicker, creamier texture. For price comparison purposes, consider these facts: 1 cup of milk equals 1 cup of regular yogurt. Because Greek yogurt is strained so many times, it takes more milk to create 1 cup of yogurt. This is the reason why Greek yogurt may be a little more expensive than traditional yogurt, but most health experts agree that the extra cost is worth the nutritional benefits youll receive.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Greek yogurt is packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, and important probiotic cultures. One serving of Greek yogurt is a well-balanced breakfast or snack, and can be used as a healthy addition to many of your favorite recipes. The main reason that Greek yogurt has become increasingly popular is its health benefits.
A HIGH-PROTEIN FOOD
Greek yogurt is loaded with protein. A 6-ounce container of plain Greek yogurt contains approximately 1520 grams of protein. Thats a great deal of protein in a small serving size. This is particularly encouraging for vegetarians who do not eat meat and therefore may struggle to eat enough protein on a daily basis. Many of the common high-protein sources are found in red meat, chicken, and fish, thus making it challenging to follow a vegetarian diet. Eating Greek yogurt is a great way for vegetarians to supplement their protein. Greek yogurt is also a great post-workout snack, as the protein is essential for muscle growth and recovery.
One very important aspect of protein is that it helps keep you full for a longer amount of time. Eating more protein may even help you lose weight. Nutritionists often tell clients to make sure that they are eating some form of protein in every snack and meal they have. High-protein diets have become increasingly popular over the past ten years, but proceed with caution, as consuming too much protein is not good for your body.