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Japanese Yogurt Drink

Serves 4 to 6 Beverage vegetarian, Beverages

Japanese Yogurt Drink

Japanese Yogurt Drink is a refreshing and savory beverage, often enjoyed at home in Japan. It's a simple blend of yogurt, cold water, and a touch of fine sea salt, creating a unique balance of creamy and salty flavors. This drink is a staple at Japanese family tables, where it's made with a generous hand for fat and salt, ensuring a rich taste.

This version captures the essence of how Japanese home cooks prepare it, focusing on the straightforward combination of ingredients. It's a drink meant for sharing, often served chilled with ice to enhance its refreshing quality. The result is a smooth, slightly tangy drink that complements a variety of meals, offering a taste of everyday Japanese home cooking.

Ingredients

  • 400 gyogurt
  • 300 mlcold water
  • 1/2 tspfine sea salt
  • as neededice

Method

  1. Start by chilling 400 g of yogurt in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This ensures the yogurt is cold and refreshing, which is essential for the traditional Japanese Yogurt Drink experience. If you prefer, you can also place the yogurt in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to speed up the chilling process, but be careful not to let it freeze.
  2. Once the yogurt is chilled, measure 300 ml of cold water. The balance between yogurt and water is crucial to achieving the right consistency and flavor, so use a measuring cup for accuracy. Pour the cold water into a large mixing bowl.
  3. Add the chilled yogurt to the bowl with the water. Use a whisk to gently combine the two ingredients. Stir slowly and steadily to maintain the yogurt's creamy texture and to prevent the mixture from becoming frothy.
  4. Measure 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt and sprinkle it over the yogurt and water mixture. Stir gently to dissolve the salt completely. The salt enhances the flavors without overpowering the delicate balance of the drink.
  5. Prepare a serving pitcher by filling it with ice. This will keep the drink cold and refreshing when served. Pour the yogurt mixture over the ice, allowing it to chill further as it mixes with the ice.
  6. Serve the Japanese Yogurt Drink immediately in traditional glassware. The drink should be smooth and slightly tangy, with a subtle saltiness that complements the creamy texture. Enjoy it as a refreshing accompaniment to a meal or as a standalone treat.
Cover of Authentic Japanese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Japanese Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Japanese Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Japanese volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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