Authentic Indian-Inspired Mint Yogurt Sauce
This delightful Indian-inspired mint yogurt sauce is a popular accompaniment found in British Indian restaurants. This refreshing and savory sauce combines the cooling properties of yogurt with the bright, aromatic flavors of fresh mint and spices, creating a perfect balance that complements curries, grilled meats, and vegetables alike. Its subtly sweet undertones and zesty kick will elevate any meal and keep you coming back for more. After numerous experiments, I've finally perfected a recipe that captures that coveted restaurant-style taste.
4
Servings
80
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Plain yogurt
400 g (None)
Sugar
8 teaspoons (None)
Chili powder
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Milk
300 g (for thinning)
English mint sauce
80 g (None)
Garlic clove
1 (crushed)
Fresh ginger
1 inch (skinned & crushed)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, sugar, and chili powder. Stir thoroughly until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2
Gradually add the milk to the yogurt mixture, stirring continuously to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
3
Fold in the English mint sauce, crushed garlic, and crushed ginger. Ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
4
Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This allows the flavors to meld and develop a richer taste.
5
Before serving, give the sauce a good stir and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled as a perfect accompaniment to your favorite dishes.
Nutrition Information
2.5 g
Fat
12 g
Carbs
3.5 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Authentic Indian-Inspired Mint Yogurt Sauce?
It is a refreshing, savory, and subtly sweet condiment common in British Indian restaurants, made with yogurt, mint, and spices.
What are the primary ingredients for this mint sauce?
The main ingredients include plain yogurt, sugar, chili powder, milk, English mint sauce, garlic, and fresh ginger.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 80 calories.
Is this sauce similar to what is served in British Indian Restaurants?
Yes, this recipe was specifically developed to capture the restaurant-style taste often found in the UK.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt?
Yes, though you may need to add slightly more milk to achieve the desired pourable consistency.
Why is milk included in the recipe?
Milk is used to thin the yogurt mixture to create a smooth and pourable consistency.
How much sugar is required for this sauce?
The recipe calls for 8 teaspoons of sugar to achieve the correct balance of sweetness.
Is this mint yogurt sauce spicy?
It has a very mild kick due to the inclusion of 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder.
What type of mint is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses English mint sauce for its aromatic and concentrated flavor.
How long should the sauce be refrigerated before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
Can I substitute fresh mint for the English mint sauce?
While you can use fresh mint, the English mint sauce is key to achieving that specific restaurant-style flavor profile.
How should the fresh ginger be prepared?
The ginger should be skinned and crushed before being added to the mixture.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires one crushed garlic clove.
What dishes pair well with this mint yogurt sauce?
It pairs perfectly with curries, grilled meats, poppadoms, and roasted vegetables.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
Can I make this sauce dairy-free?
You could attempt it using a plant-based yogurt and milk, though the flavor and texture may vary.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any remaining sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long will this sauce stay fresh in the fridge?
It is best consumed within 2-3 days while the dairy is fresh and the flavors are vibrant.
Can I freeze this mint yogurt sauce?
Freezing is not recommended as the yogurt and milk may separate and change texture upon thawing.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 3.5 grams of protein.
Can I adjust the level of sweetness?
Yes, you can adjust the sugar according to your personal preference during the final seasoning check.
Why is it important to stir until the sugar is dissolved?
Dissolving the sugar completely ensures a smooth texture without any gritty crystals.
What kind of chili powder should I use?
Standard red chili powder works well; for less heat, use Kashmiri chili powder.
Is there a substitute for fresh ginger?
While fresh is best, a pinch of ground ginger can be used in a pinch, though the flavor will be less bright.
Should I use a blender to mix the sauce?
A blender is not necessary; a mixing bowl and a spoon are sufficient to achieve the correct consistency.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most ingredients are gluten-free, but always check the label on your English mint sauce to be sure.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are approximately 2.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 7 main ingredients in this recipe.
What makes the sauce taste 'restaurant-style'?
The specific combination of English mint sauce, sugar, and crushed aromatics like garlic and ginger gives it that authentic flavor.