Curd Rice
Tamil cooling rice mixed with yogurt, tempered with mustard and curry leaves.
For 1 serving
Cook the rice until soft and mushy.
- Rinse the raw rice thoroughly under cold water
- Boil in a pot with excess water until grains are overcooked
- Drain the water and allow the rice to cool slightly
Mash the rice and combine with dairy.
Lightly mash the warm rice with a heavy spoon to break the grains. Stir in the low-fat yogurt, milk, and salt, mixing continuously until the texture is creamy and smooth.
TIPAdding a splash of milk prevents the rice from tightening and becoming too thick as it sits.Prepare the aromatic tempering and garnish.
- Heat oil in a small pan and splutter mustard seeds, urad dal, and chana dal
- Add dried red chili, curry leaves, ginger, and green chili until fragrant
- Pour the hot tempering over the rice and fold in fresh cilantro
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Always use rice that is at room temperature or completely cool before adding the curd. Adding curd to hot rice will cause it to split and become watery.
- 2Mashing the rice while it's still slightly warm is easier and results in a creamier texture.
- 3The milk is essential to prevent the curd rice from turning sour, especially if you are packing it for lunch or making it ahead of time.
- 4For the best flavor, use fresh, thick, full-fat curd (yogurt). Avoid using curd that is too sour.
- 5The tempering should be poured over the rice while it's hot to release the maximum aroma and flavor of the spices.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetable Curd Rice
Add finely grated carrots, chopped cucumber, or steamed peas to the curd rice mixture for extra nutrition and crunch.
Fruit Curd RiceFruit Curd Rice
In addition to pomegranate, you can add finely chopped green grapes or raw mango for a sweet and tangy twist.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add 1-2 broken dried red chilies to the tempering along with the green chilies for an extra kick of heat.
Vegan Curd RiceVegan Curd Rice
Substitute the dairy curd and milk with plant-based alternatives like peanut yogurt, cashew yogurt, or coconut yogurt for a vegan-friendly version.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Probiotic Powerhouse
The curd (yogurt) is rich in probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that promote a healthy gut microbiome, improve digestion, and boost immunity.
Cooling & Hydrating
Curd Rice is known for its cooling properties, making it an excellent meal during hot weather. It helps in maintaining body temperature and provides hydration.
Easily Digestible
This dish is very light and easy on the stomach, making it a perfect comfort food when you're feeling unwell or experiencing digestive issues.
Good Source of Calcium
Both curd and milk are excellent sources of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of this Curd Rice recipe (approximately 1 cup or 290g) contains around 325-350 calories, depending on the type of curd and milk (full-fat vs. low-fat) used.