Homemade Yogurt & Buttermilk — A Simple Base for Purposeful Swaps in Everyday Meals

Homemade yogurt doesn’t need fancy gadgets or complicated steps — just warm milk, a quiet corner, and a little patience.

This is the simple method I grew up with, and it works every single time.

If your yogurt has been runny, sour, or inconsistent — this method fixes it.

When you control the ingredients and the process, you get something fresher, lighter, and easier on your gut than most store‑bought versions.

I have been making yogurt since my high school years. However, when I moved to North America, my yogurt recipe did not work.

Due to lower temperature, it was taking too long or did not ferment at all.

My friends were using clothes cover to keep the pot warm. I could not master that trick either.

I started experimenting with the stove-top warmer and oven temperature, and finally came up with the temperature for ‘just right’ yogurt!

Homemade yogurt – Easy Base for Everyday Food Swaps

While talking of comfort food swaps, homemade yogurt tops the list.

It is so versatile- it blends in almost everything, it can be used in dozens of dishes and sides.

Yogurt is not providing a creamy base only; it is a probiotic.

It helps to lighten up the dishes and your stomach too. It eases heavy stomach, sets irritated stomach.

If we whisk homemade yogurt with water, it becomes buttermilk – that is form of same yogurt.

Buttermilk also has very good uses, it is calming, easing heavy stomach and grounding for racing minds and over active stomach.

How to Make Yogurt at Home like a Pro

It is all about forming a comfort habit. Have right material ready, method (this recipe) handy and follow the steps.

If you never made it at home, start with small amount – and follow this recipe.

Only thing you have to focus is temperature when you add starter in it & when you rest it to ferment.

After a few trials, you will know the right temperature just by touching the pot.

In starting, if your yogurt does not come out perfect; you can still use it to make buttermilk.

Your efforts will not go waste; it will give you refreshing, tangy – sugar free drink.

Step-by-step Photo

Warmed up milk.

Fermented Yogurt:

Yogurt is one of the core ingredients in Food Swap Forte

• A balanced mix of protein + healthy fats; grounding and stabilizing.
• Naturally occurring lactose sugars but no added sugars.
• Yogurt is a good source of calcium and potassium.
• A gentle, cooling, nourishing food — especially supportive when paired with warming spices (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger) to improve digestibility.
• Yogurt provides that creaminess-base for countless recipes – for fraction of the fats.

You can use yogurt in many recipes and swaps to feel good or as comfort swap.

Common uses of yogurt

• Soothe heavy stomach
• Add comfort in meals
• Steady afternoon energy
• Calm spicy meals
• Lighten heavy breakfast
• Replace heavier dairy sides
• Grounding snack
• Add creaminess in gravies
• Pair with a fruit or nuts
• Add tangy flavor to soups

Tips

👉 Eat more yogurt and buttermilk around lunch, not with lunch.

👉 Just be careful—when you eat yogurt or drink buttermilk, do NOT consume it too cold in winter or if you are using it for grounding.

👉 If you cannot make homemade yogurt, use store-baught Greek yogurt (plain) or Dahi.

Storage

You can store yogurt in the fridge; it stays good for about two weeks.

Buttermilk stays good up to 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Just whisk a little when you use it.

Always keep it covered in fridge, as it absorbs flavors from other food in fridge.

How to Make Buttermilk from Yogurt

This is a one step process, entire recipe itself.

Just whisk the yogurt with water, add chhash masala or pinch of salt and pepper for the taste.

Black salt gives the best taste. And your wonderful homemade drink is ready – without any added sugar!

👉 Add a few mint leaves to buttermilk for added benefits.

⭐ Q & A for Yogurt + Buttermilk

Q1. Can I use buttermilk to make yogurt?

Yes- you can use homemade buttermilk as a starter, just use three times more than recipe calls for.

Q2. Does the container I use affect the yogurt?

Yes — but only in a gentle way. A glass or ceramic bowl helps the yogurt set more evenly. It’s a small material swap that makes the process feel more reliable.

Q3. How long does homemade yogurt take to set?

Usually about 6-8 hours, depending on the warmth of your kitchen. Once you learn the rhythm, it becomes a tiny kitchen habit.

Q4. Can I use this yogurt in sweet swaps?

Yes — homemade yogurt has a gentle flavor that pairs well with fruit, dates, or warm spices.

It’s an easy swap for heavier desserts or late evening sweets.

Q5. How do I store homemade yogurt?

Use a clean glass jar and keep it in the fridge. This small material swap helps the yogurt stay consistent for days.

Q6. Can I use the same starter for future batches?

Yes — saving a spoon from your current batch is ideal way to set next batch.

Q7. Can I make buttermilk from yogurt?

Yes — this is very easy if you have homemade yogurt. Just whisk some yogurt in water and your buttermilk is ready. It’s a timing swap you can make right before cooking.