Indian food: Adding yogurt to the sauce?

Question

I'm using a recipe for a dish call Vindaloo. It doesn't call for yogurt, but I want to add it. Compared to what I order from a restaurant, the recipe comes out very tomato based and the restaurant version is more creamy. If I want to add yogurt, when should I add it? Before cooking everything or after it's cooked, like sour cream in stroganoff? Is it better to use cream? Thanks for the help!

Answer 1

You CAN add  yogurt, but I would recommend adding real cream... nothing like cream to thicken up a korma.  

You can use baking powder to fizz it up a little too.. only a pinch or two.

Answer 2

NO NO NO NO! No you add yogurt at all. It bad. Very bad. I Indian. I know this stuff. No. Let me tell you, my friend. You do NOT add the yogurt. Did you know yogurt has milk in it! Milk comes from cows! Cows are sacred in India!!! Are you crazy!! You are disrespecting the cow if you use yogurt in your recipe. No. You use substitute. What substitute, you ask? Mascarpone cheese. This may sound weird, but it makes my vindaloo delicious. It's Vinda-licious. So, you add the mascarpone, and then you take the whole thing and put it in a pan, and then put it over a fire. Do NOT use a stove. That is disrespecting the cow. So, you have a bonfire and it HAS to be in your back yard or it's disrespecting the cow, and you invite everyone including my Great Aunt Bernie Chopra. Tell me how it turns out. Peace.

Answer 3

You can add either one of the dairy products you mentioned but nt while it is boiling, it is always best to leave it to the last moment, and if you use yougart it has to be something over 8% BF or it will curdle the minute it hits the heat.

A bit of cornstarch is a good way to remedy it or if you use sour cream full fat and cream then whipping/heavy cream. I am a former chef and have made dozens of diferent ones some with dairy some without and others with coconut milk.

Answer 4

Add yogurt only after cooking please. If you have to reheat it for any reason be very careful not to start boiling it again.

You can use sour cream ore cream as well.