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Enjoy a Bowl of Creamy and Refreshing Curd Rice in Just 10 Minutes: A Perfect Summer Dish:

Curd rice, also known as yogurt rice, is a popular South Indian dish that is not only delicious but also incredibly refreshing, especially during hot summer days. Made with leftover rice, curd (yogurt), and a flavorful seasoning, this dish is a wonderful way to repurpose cooked rice and create a satisfying meal. In this recipe, I’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of preparing curd rice and share some personal tips to make it extra tasty. Let’s dive in!

Benefits of Curd Rice:

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about the benefits of curd rice. This delightful dish offers several advantages, including:

1. Probiotic Goodness: Curd is packed with beneficial bacteria that promote good gut health and aid digestion.
2. Cooling and Hydrating: Curd rice provides a cooling effect on the body, making it an excellent choice for hot summer days. It also helps to keep you hydrated.
3. Nutrient-rich: The dish offers a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, making it a wholesome meal option.
4. Soothes Digestion: Curd’s soothing properties can help alleviate stomach discomfort and acidity.

Now that you know the fantastic benefits of curd rice, let’s move on to the recipe!

Ingredients:

For Curd Rice:

• 1 bowl of leftover rice
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 liter curd (yogurt)
• 1 cup full cream milk

For Seasoning:

• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp mix of urad dal and mustard seeds
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tbsp chana dal
• 3 red chilies, broken into two
• 1 tbsp chopped ginger
• 2 stems of curry leaves
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• A pinch of turmeric
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions:

Preparing the Curd Rice:

1. Take a large bowl and add the leftover cooked rice.
2. Mash the rice well using a spoon or your hands to break any clumps.
3. Add salt to taste and mix it with the rice.
4. Next, add curd (yogurt) to the rice. The curd should be slightly sour for the best flavor.
5. Pour in the full cream milk and mix everything together until you achieve a creamy consistency.
6. Set the prepared curd rice aside.

Seasoning the Curd Rice:

1. Heat a pan on medium heat and add butter.
2. Once the butter is slightly hot, add the mix of urad dal and mustard seeds. Let them splutter.
3. Add cumin seeds, chana dal, and broken red chilies to the pan.
4. Stir them for a minute until the dal turns golden brown and the spices release their aroma.
5. Add the chopped ginger and curry leaves to the pan. Sauté for a minute.
6. Now, add the chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
7. Sprinkle a pinch of turmeric over the mixture and mix well.
8. Turn off the heat and let the seasoning cool for a moment.

Bringing It All Together:

1. Transfer the tempering over the curd rice and mix well
2. Mix everything together gently, ensuring that the rice is coated evenly with the curd and the seasoning.
3. Transfer the curd rice to a serving bowl.
4. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for added freshness and flavor.
5. Your homemade curd rice is now ready to be enjoyed!

Personal Touch:

I absolutely love adding a touch of my personal style to curd rice. Sometimes, I like to add a handful of pomegranate seeds or grated carrots to the dish. These additions provide a delightful burst of sweetness and add a pop of color to the creamy rice. You can also experiment with other toppings like roasted peanuts or grated coconut to enhance the texture and taste.

Conclusion:

Curd rice is a simple yet satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or as a side dish with your favorite South Indian delicacies. It not only cools you down during scorching summer days but also provides numerous health benefits. So, the next time you have some leftover rice, don’t hesitate to whip up a delicious bowl of curd rice using this recipe. Enjoy the creamy goodness and beat the summer heat with this refreshing delight!