Dairy-Based Marinades and Dressings

While everyone knows the nutritional benefits—and deliciousness—of yogurt, buttermilk remains a mystery to many. Buttermilk is what’s left behind after cream has been churned into butter. Most of the fat has been siphoned off, leaving rich, tangy buttermilk. Despite its name, buttermilk is lower in fat than whole milk. Both yogurt and buttermilk are fermented foods packed with protein and plenty of probiotics. And they’re incredibly versatile: Yogurt can be swapped for buttermilk in most recipes.

With their mild acidity, yogurt-based marinades tenderize meat and chicken gently, whereas acidic marinades with vinegar or citrus tend to toughen the protein’s texture. Moreover, meat and chicken can be left for up to 12 hours in a yogurt marinade. The protein and natural sugar of the yogurt caramelizes slightly in the cooking process, and the meat or chicken develops a tender, juicy finish. Because the protein has been tenderized, not rubberized, by the dairy, the meat or chicken thrive from highheat cooking: grilling, broiling, oven, pan sear.

Buttermilk dressing balances sharp, bitter greens and also plays well with the soft, tender lettuces of spring. Use it as a sauce for pasta, lightly steamed or fresh veggies or as a dip for crudités. Toss out those bottles of ranch and whip up a fresh batch of versatile, creamy buttermilk dressing.

We invited two chefs to share their favorite dairy-based dressing and marinade recipes. Lini Mazumdar, an Ayurvedic nutrition counselor, certified herbalist and professional cook and caterer specializing in Indian food, offers her yogurt marinade for chicken kebabs. Lini started Lotus Moon, an herbal products company, in 1997. Her tag line says it all: Lotus Moon, Making Food and Medicine!

Paul and Julia VanDerWielen are chefs and innkeepers at the Marble West Inn in Dorset. Th ey share a simple preparation for an herb-filled classic buttermilk dressing. Paul and Julia studied at Le Cordon Bleu and bring a global perspective to fresh, high-quality local ingredients. The Marble West Inn offers a luxe getaway with world-class cuisine.