Curd rice or as the Indians call it “dahi chawal” or “thayir sadam”, is a dish originated in India and is loved by many. Curd is also known as yogurt is made by the fermentation of milk, which converts the lactose in the milk into lactic acid by using friendly bacteria like lactobacillus.
The benefits of having curd rice are many from promoting better digestive health, heart health, preventing osteoporosis to protecting one’s general health.
Let’s look into how having curd rice will benefit you.
1. Improves digestive functioning: As it helps promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria in the stomach.
2. Helps build body immunity: As curd contains probiotics that help fight diseases.
3. Helps prevent osteoporosis: As curd contains high levels of calcium, in turn strengthening the bones.
4. Maintains body temperature: As it is very cooling for the body (and is therefore often eaten when people have a fever, to bring down the body temperature naturally).
5. Helps reduce stress levels: As curd contains probiotics and good fats along with antioxidants, hat can keep stress and emotions in check.
6. Maintains general health and promotes weight loss
As curd is rich in antioxidants and can help improve body metabolism, keeping one’s weight in check.
How can you make curd rice at home?
Ingredients to make the rice:
½ cup white rice
1 cup water
Salt to taste
Method:
Wash the grains of rice two to three times under running water and make sure to drain out all the water properly.
Then, into a heating pot, add in 1 cup of water and wait for it to get slightly heated before pouring in the washed rice and some salt to taste. Let it come to a boil and then cover the pot with a lid and lower the heat, until the rice has cooked well. This process should take approximately 15 – 20 minutes. Then, set the rice aside until it becomes warm.
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Ingredients to make the curd rice:
- oil
- mustard seeds
- curry leaves
- chili
- fresh curd
- Salt to taste
- Rice
Method:
In a mixing bowl, add in the rice, curd, and some salt to taste. Mix well until properly combined. You can then add in the milk, but this step is completely optional.
To season the curd rice:
Into a heating pot, add in the oil, and let it get heated. Drop in the mustard seeds and once it begins to splutter, drop in the roughly chopped curry leaves and chili and fry for a couple of minutes.
Lastly, pour this onto the curd rice and mix it well until combined. The rice is ready to serve.
Tips:
- Do not add in the curd while the rice is very hot as it will lead the curd to crack and become watery.
- You can also add in ½ tsp of fenugreek (methi) seeds along with the mustard seeds (optional).
- You can also add in 1 tsp of finely chopped ginger along with the green chilli (optional).
- The purpose of adding in the milk is to dilute the sourness of the curd. Therefore, this step is optional and as per your taste requirements.