Dahi, (curd) is an essential element of Indian cuisine, and everyone adores its creamy nature and sour taste. Yogurt is popular globally, but the curd used in India is slightly different. The most noticeable difference is in the bacteria that ferment it — curd coagulates well, whereas yogurt remains liquid. Yogurt comes packaged as a fruit-flavored product in many places.

Most Indians consume curd for two reasons:

It is a rich source of protein.

It has gut-friendly bacteria that aid digestion.

A vegan curd should ideally have both of these advantages. Thankfully, vegan dahi is effective in all dishes where normal dairy curd is applied. It is prepared using materials such as soy, coconut, peanuts, cashews, almonds, or pea protein. Not only is it delicious but also full of probiotics and nutrients, making it an excellent option for all.

How to Use Vegan Dahi in Indian Dishes

1. Raitas: A Refreshing Side Dish

Vegan dahi is used to make cool raitas to counteract spicy food. Popular ones are:

• Cucumber Raita, Boondi Raita (fried chickpea dumplings in dahi), Mint Raita, Mixed Veg Raita (with boiled potatoes, onions, and tomatoes)

1. Kadhi: A Comforting Curry

Kadhi is a yogurt curry thickened with chickpea flour. Vegan dahi mixes well with besan to provide the same rich flavor.

• Punjabi Kadhi Pakora: Fried onion pakoras in a spiced dahi gravy
• Gujarati Kadhi: A slightly sweet and lighter version using jaggery
• Sindhi Kadhi: A sour version with assorted vegetables

1. Chutneys & Dips

The addition of chutneys based on dahi lends creaminess to food. Use vegan dahi for:

• Peanut Dahi Chutney: Green chilies, peanuts, and dahi
• Coconut Dahi Chutney: Coconut, mustard seeds, and dahi for dosas and idlis.

1. Marination for Grilled Dishes

Dahi is used extensively in marinades to impart flavor and tenderize food. Vegan dahi may be employed in:

• Tandoori Cauliflower & Broccoli: Spiced and grilled florets
• Plant-based Seekh Kebabs: Soya chunks or jackfruit in spiced marinade
• Vegan Paneer Tikka: Tofu or cashew paneer roasted with dahi and spices

1. Dahi Chaat: Street Food Favorite

Indian chaats are never complete without dahi. Vegan dahi can be used in:

• Dahi Puri: Puris with potatoes, chutneys, and dahi
• Papdi Chaat: Crunchy papdis and chutneys with chilled dahi
• Dahi Bhalla: Lentil dumplings in seasoned dahi

1. Paratha Accompaniment

Stuffed parathas are accompanied by a side of dahi, such as:

• Aloo Paratha (Potato-stuffed)
• Methi Paratha (Fenugreek flatbread)
• Gobi Paratha (Cauliflower-stuffed)

1. Dahi-based Rice Dishes

Vegan dahi works well for South Indian-style rice dishes:

• Curd Rice: Rice with dahi, mustard seeds, and chilies
• Dahi Pulao: Mild, spiced rice cooked with vegetables and curd and dahi

1. Dahi Desserts

Some Indian sweets are made with dahi, and vegan dahi is a wonderful substitute:

• Shrikhand: Thick strained dahi with saffron and sugar
• Mishti Doi: Caramelized sugar blended with dahi
• Fruit & Dahi Parfait: Layered sweetened dahi with fresh fruit

1. Dahi-based Drinks

Vegan dahi is ideal for traditional beverages:

• Lassi: Can be flavored or sweetened with cardamom and mango
• Chaas (Buttermilk): Spiced dahi mixed with cumin and ginger

1. Curries & Gravies

Dahi is commonly added to North Indian gravies for a creamy, tangy flavor. Vegan dahi is excellent in:

• Mughlai-style Vegan Korma: A rich, nutty curry with dahi
• Dum Aloo: Baby potatoes in spiced dahi sauce
• Yakhni Pulao: A scented rice dish with dahi-based gravy

Final Thoughts

Vegan dahi is a great alternative to dairy curd in Indian cuisine. It retains classic tastes while being plant-based and cruelty-free. With increasing vegan choices, it’s never been simpler to have your preferred food without dairy.

If you are in Delhi NCR or Mumbai, you can have WhiteCub Vegan Curds in two forms: soy-coconut and peanut.

• Website: Whitecub. in
• Mail: info@whitecub.in
• Phone No.: +91 98186 99795