Inji Thayir (Ginger Yogurt) holds a special place in Kerala feasts, especially during sadya. This traditional dish combines the creamy richness of yogurt with the bold flavor of ginger. Not only does it taste delicious, but it also aids digestion, making it an essential part of the elaborate sadya spread.
Sadya is a celebratory feast in Kerala that features a wide array of dishes, each with its own unique flavors and textures. Among these, Inji Thayir plays a crucial role as a palate cleanser, balancing the rich and spicy flavors of other dishes. My mom often says, “Inji Thayir is worth 108 dishes,”. This shows its remarkable versatility and value. Its distinct taste and numerous health benefits elevate any meal.
Inji Thayir demonstrates the significant impact a simple dish can have on enhancing the overall dining experience. Its soothing, aromatic profile adds depth to any meal, cementing its place as a cherished component of Kerala cuisine.
Ingi Thayir
Here are the steps to make this very simple dish that is a must have for any Kerala Feast or Sadya.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup of thick plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
- 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped/crushed (adjust to taste)
- Currey leaves (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ginger and Chillies: In a bowl mix 2 tbsp grated or crushed Ginger, chillies, one sprig of curry leaves(optional), salt to taste and rest it for 15 minutes.
- Make the yogurt mix: Whisk 3/4 cup of yogurt until smooth and creamy. Now. add the ginger mixture to the yogurt and combine well.
- Serve with rice, veggies and curries.
Tips and Variations
- Spiciness: Adjust the number of green chilies based on your heat preference.
- Sambharam or Butter Milk: Need some sabharam? You can whisk in a little water to the yogurt to make a cooling drink.
- Variations: This simple dish is prepared in various ways in different places
- Tempering: Add a tempering of mustard seeds, dry red chilies, and curry leaves to further enhance its flavor.
- Coconut: For another variation, add a ground coconut paste to the yogurt mixture.
Have you tried making this recipe? Share your experiences and any variations you love in the comments below! And if you make this dish, we’d love to see your creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag us @Platefullofyumm