Most people have some idea of the health benefits of sour yogurt. It removes harmful bacteria from the gut, which improves digestion and brings relief from all kinds of stomach complaints. Yogurt also helps with various other physical problems and is hard to beat for weight loss, which is why health-conscious people eat it regularly.

Yogurt is a dairy food made by bacterial fermentation of milk. Fermentation of lactose produces lactic acid, which acts on the milk proteins to give yogurt its taste and characteristic smell. You may be surprised to learn that people have been making and eating yogurt for 4,500 years.

Sour yogurt contains protein, calcium, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. According to experts, it is even more nutritious than milk.

The sour yogurt sold in shops is quite expensive, so many people cannot buy it regularly. They can make it at home instead, and without any special ingredient: the green chillies in the kitchen are enough. Surprising as it sounds, it really is easy. The stalk of a green chilli contains a kind of enzyme that helps in making yogurt, so you can also use just a few chilli stalks.

Here is the recipe:

• First boil the required amount of milk well, then let it cool and take an earthenware, steel or china pot.
• Pour the milk into the pot and add 3-4 green chillies. You can also add 5-6 green chilli stalks instead.
• Cover the pot, wrap it in a towel and leave it in a warm place for about 12-14 hours. Do not put it in the fridge.
• After that time, take the pot out of the towel and open the lid: the sour yogurt will be ready. You can then keep it in the fridge for a few days and enjoy healthy yogurt.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.