Meal Prep · South Indian
Curd Rice
A cooling, comforting, and gut-friendly South Indian staple perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
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Step-by-step- Wash the rice thoroughly and cook it with 2.5 cups of water until it’s very soft and slightly mushy. Let it cool down to lukewarm temperature.
- Once cooled, gently mash the cooked rice with the back of a spoon or your hands until it’s a bit pasty but still has some texture.
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed rice, yogurt, milk (if using), grated ginger, chopped green chilies, and salt. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined and creamy.
- For the tempering, heat oil or ghee in a small pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add urad dal and chana dal (if using) and fry until they turn golden brown.
- Quickly add asafoetida, curry leaves, and broken dried red chilies. Sauté for a few seconds until the curry leaves crisp up and the chilies darken slightly.
- Pour the hot tempering mixture immediately over the curd rice and mix gently but thoroughly.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves, pomegranate seeds, or finely chopped cucumber, if desired.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition
Per serving| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 65 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Storage & Freezer Guide
Make it last Refrigerator 2-3 days
Store in an airtight container. The consistency may thicken, so add a splash of milk or water when serving to restore creaminess.
Freezer Not recommended
Curd rice does not freeze well; the yogurt tends to separate and become grainy upon thawing.
Reheat Not recommended
Best served chilled or at room temperature. Reheating can cause the yogurt to curdle. If absolutely necessary, warm very gently on low heat, stirring constantly, and add a splash of milk.
Chef’s Corner
- Use short-grain rice like Sona Masoori or Ponni for the best texture, as they become soft and mashable, ideal for curd rice.
- Ensure the cooked rice is cooled to at least lukewarm before mixing with yogurt. Hot rice will cause the yogurt to curdle.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or water if you prefer a thinner, creamier curd rice.
- For an extra layer of flavor and crunch, consider adding finely chopped grapes, grated carrots, or even a few roasted cashews to the tempering.
