Curd Rice

Curd rice is a traditional South Indian dish made by mixing cooked rice with yogurt (curd). It’s often tempered with spices like mustard seeds, cumin, and curry leaves in oil and sometimes includes additions like chopped nuts, ginger, or green chilies for extra flavor. The dish is creamy, tangy, and cooling, making it a soothing accompaniment to spicy foods or a refreshing standalone meal. It’s popular for its simplicity, comfort, and ability to balance flavors in a meal.

Here’s a basic recipe for curd rice, a popular South Indian dish:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of rice (preferably short-grain rice like sona masuri)
• 2 cups of water
• 1 cup of plain yogurt (curd)
• 1/4 cup of milk (optional, for added creaminess)
• Salt to taste

For tempering:

• 2 tablespoons of oil (preferably sesame or peanut oil)
• 1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds
• 1-2 dry red chilies
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• Few curry leaves
• 2 tablespoons of chopped cashews or peanuts (optional)
• 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional)
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated (optional)
• 2 tablespoons of chopped coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly and cook it in a pot or rice cooker with 2 cups of water. Once cooked, spread it out on a plate or bowl to cool down.
2. Once the rice is at room temperature, mash it lightly using a spoon or spatula. Add yogurt (curd) and milk (if using) to the rice and mix well. The consistency should be creamy, and you can adjust the amount of yogurt and milk to your preference.
3. Add salt according to your taste and mix it into the rice and yogurt mixture.
4. For tempering (tadka): Heat oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add cumin seeds and let them sizzle. Add dry red chilies, asafoetida, curry leaves, chopped green chilies, and grated ginger if using. Sauté for a minute until fragrant. Add chopped cashews or peanuts and fry until they turn golden brown.
5. Pour this tempering over the prepared curd rice and mix it well.
6. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
7. Let the flavors meld by allowing the dish to sit for a while before serving.

Curd rice can be served as a standalone dish or paired with pickles, papadums, or any spicy curry. It’s a comforting and cooling dish, perfect for hot days or as a soothing end to a meal. Adjust the seasoning and tempering ingredients according to your taste preferences. Enjoy!