The only substitute for Greek yogurt is strained yogurt.
Greek yogurt is creamier and thicker than other yogurts found in the dairy section of the grocery store. Fat content in typical Greek yogurt is 9 percent, while American yogurts contain less than 4 percent fat. Most Greek yogurts are tart and rich in flavor. This ingredient is key to most Greek cooking. Purchasing Greek yogurt at the store is the best way to finish a Greek recipe, though there is one valid substitute. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Strained Yogurt
The only substitute for Greek yogurt is to strain whole-milk, non-flavored yogurt through cheese cloth or a coffee filter. This process removes excess moisture from the yogurt, creating a creamier substance that is closer in texture to Greek yogurt.
No Other Substitutes
There are no other usable substitutes for Greek yogurt. Other products like unstrained yogurt or sour cream are too watery to achieve the texture and taste aimed for in most Greek recipes.
Strain Yogurt
If Greek yogurt is not available in your area, purchase whole-milk, unflavored yogurt from the dairy section. When home, line a strainer with a coffee filter or cheese cloth. Dollop the purchased yogurt onto the filter. Pull edges of the filter up, cinching the yogurt into a tight sack. Twist the packet, tightening the yogurt into its sack. Moisture will begin to seep out of the sack. Wipe down the filter with a towel. Tie the sack with a string. Place the strainer in a bowl, and place the sack in the strainer. Let the packet rest in the refrigerator for at least two hours. During this time, check the yogurt periodically and wipe the moisture away with a towel.
Greek Yogurt Recipes
Eat Greek yogurt drizzled with honey for a sweet treat, or use your new creation to create any number of Greek recipes. Make a creamy Greek yogurt coffee cake. Marinate chicken in a Greek yogurt-based mixture for deliciously moist grilled chicken. Mix Greek yogurt into ground beef or turkey (with some other seasonings) for Greek burgers, or make a Greek cucumber yogurt salad.
Tags: Greek yogurt, yogurt into, cheese cloth, chicken Greek, coffee filter