Should you add salt to yogurt-based dishes?

Question

Discover if and when to salt yogurt-based dips, raitas, and sauces.

Answer 1

Yes, adding salt to yogurt-based dishes enhances the flavor by balancing the yogurt's natural tanginess and bringing out other ingredients' flavors. Salt also helps to control the yogurt's acidity.

Detailed Explanation:

Adding salt to yogurt-based dishes, such as raita, dips, or marinades, is a common and beneficial practice. Here's why:

1. Flavor Enhancement: Salt acts as a flavor enhancer, making the overall dish more palatable. It balances the sour or tangy notes of the yogurt, creating a more harmonious taste profile.

2. Ingredient Integration: Salt helps to meld the flavors of all the ingredients together. In raita, for example, it helps the yogurt, cucumber, spices, and herbs combine into a cohesive and flavorful dish.

3. Acidity Control: Salt can help to slightly reduce the perceived acidity of the yogurt, making it more pleasant to eat, especially for those sensitive to sour flavors.

4. Preservation (Minor): While not its primary function in this context, salt does have a minor preservative effect, which can slightly extend the shelf life of the yogurt-based dish.

The amount of salt to add will depend on the specific dish and your personal preference. Start with a small amount and taste as you go, adding more until you achieve the desired flavor balance.

Pro Tip:

When adding salt to yogurt, especially in marinades, be mindful of other salty ingredients like soy sauce or pre-seasoned spice blends. Adjust the amount of salt accordingly to avoid an overly salty final product.