Recipe - Creamy And Nutritious Curd Rice

Curd rice, also known as yogurt rice or dahi chawal, is a popular dish in South Indian cuisine. It is a simple and comforting recipe that combines cooked rice with curd (yogurt) and a tempering of spices. In this article, we will explore the step-by-step preparation and cooking process of curd rice, along with highlighting its nutrition value.

Ingredients

1 cup of cooked rice (preferably cooled or day-old rice)
1 cup of plain curd (yogurt)
1/4 cup of milk (optional, for a creamier consistency)
1 tablespoon of oil or ghee
1 teaspoon of mustard seeds
1 teaspoon of urad dal (split black gram)
1 teaspoon of chana dal (split Bengal gram)
1-2 green chilies, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon of asafoetida (hing)
A few curry leaves
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish (optional)

Method

- Cook the rice and let it cool. You can use leftover rice or cook fresh rice and allow it to cool completely.

- In a mixing bowl, whisk the curd until smooth. Add milk (if using) and whisk again to achieve a creamy consistency. Set aside.

- Heat oil or ghee in a small pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.

- Add urad dal and chana dal to the pan. Sauté until they turn golden brown.

- Add chopped green chilies, curry leaves, and asafoetida to the pan. Stir for a few seconds until the flavors release.

- Remove the pan from heat and let the tempering cool slightly.

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rice, curd, and the prepared tempering. Mix well to coat the rice evenly with the curd and spices.

- Add salt to taste and adjust the consistency by adding more curd or milk if desired. Mix well.

- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves (if using).

- Allow the curd rice to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Serve the curd rice chilled or at room temperature, as per your preference.

Nutrition Value:

Curd rice is not only delicious but also offers several nutritional benefits. Here's a glance at its nutrition value:

Probiotics: Curd or yogurt contains beneficial bacteria that aid digestion and promote a healthy gut.
Calcium: Curd rice is a good source of calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth.
Protein: Yogurt provides protein, which is important for muscle repair and growth.
Carbohydrates: Rice is a source of carbohydrates, providing energy to the body.
Vitamins and Minerals: Curd rice contains various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, riboflavin, potassium, and phosphorus.