Spiced Yogurt Diamonds Recipes

CARDAMOM PEARS OVER SPICED YOGURT

Steps:

• Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Halve and core the pears and place them cut-side down on paper towels until ready to use.
• Mix the brown sugar, ginger, cardamom, cloves and salt in a small bowl. Turn the pears cut-side up and sprinkle them each with a teaspoon of the mixture.
• Brush the grill pan with the coconut oil and place the pears cut-side down on the grates. Cook until grill marks appear, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the pears to a plate. Mix the remaining spice mix into the yogurt. To serve, add about 1/2 cup yogurt to a bowl or plate, then add 2 pears halves and sprinkle with a couple small mint leaves. Serve immediately.

SPICED YOGURT SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine the yogurt, mint, lemon extract, salt, turmeric, cumin and cayenne in a bowl and mix well.

SPICED YOGURT WITH SUMMER BERRIES

Steps:

• Line a large sieve with cheesecloth, pour in the yogurt and fold over the edges so it is completely covered. Place the sieve over a bowl and put into the fridge for 12 hours.
• Put the saffron into a small bowl and add about 2 tablespoons boiling water. Let steep for 5 minutes, and then strain it, reserving the saffron.
• Put the drained yogurt into a bowl, add the steeped saffron, honey and cardamom, and stir well to combine. Pour into individual serving bowls and refrigerate until ready to serve. Sprinkle with toasted almonds and berries just prior to serving.

SPICED YOGURT DRINK

Steps:

• Remove seeds from cardamom pods (discard pods) and transfer to a blender. Add yogurt, sugar, nutmeg, and water and blend until smooth. If drink is too thick, thin with water, 1 tablespoon at a time. Serve over ice in tall glasses.
• *Available at Indian markets and Kalustyan's (800-352-3451).

SUMMER VEGETABLES IN SPICED YOGURT SAUCE

Steps:

• Put oil in a deep, wide skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When it shimmers, add the ginger, garlic, cumin seeds, turmeric, cayenne and the serrano chile. Stir-fry the mixture until it begins to sizzle a bit, about 1 minute.
• Add onion to pot, and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Season well with salt.
• Stir in garam masala, squash and turnips, along with 1 cup water. Cover and simmer briskly until vegetables are just done, about 3 minutes.
• Add yogurt and almond flour. Stir well to combine. Add peas and corn. Simmer gently, uncovered, until sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Taste sauce for salt and adjust as needed.
• Add the spinach, and let wilt into the mixture. Turn off heat. Sprinkle with cilantro, and serve with rice, if desired.