Sunday, August 9, 2009

Curd Rice (Yogurt Rice)

With the temperature oscillating between 103F-113F (40C-45C) the whole of last month,the thought of cooking and even eating food has been putting off. We've survived on all the "cooling foods" like ragi(finger millet) porridge, buttermilk, curd rice and loads of fruits,salads,juices and of course the family favorite-ICE CREAMS!!
Curd rice or yogurt rice is a "must have" in almost all South Indian homes. This is mostly the last course and is believed to be cooling. The everyday curd rice is just the addition of curd/yogurt and salt to rice and is eaten with pickles or some vegetable curry. When it's made as a separate dish, the "tempering" or "tadka"is added to it,which adds a distinct flavour and aroma to the dish. What you'll need:
Ingredients: (Serves 2)
  • Cooked (and cooled) rice: 2 cups
  • Curd/Plain yogurt: 1 1/2-2 cups
  • Salt: to taste
  • Fresh pomegranates/grapes: 1/2 cup (optional)
  • Coriander leaves/cilantro: 1 tbsp chopped (for the garnish)
For the tempering:
  • Oil: 1 teaspoon
  • Mustard seeds: 1 teaspoon
  • Cumin seeds: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Urad dal (split black matpe beans): 1 teaspoon
  • Curry leaves : 4-5 nos.
  • Cashew nuts: 1 tbsp
  • Green chillies: 1-2 nos.(chopped).
Method:
  1. Mix the curd/yogurt and salt with the rice (add a little water if needed). Keep aside.
  2. Heat a small saucepan and add the oil,mustard seeds, urad dal,cumin seeds.
  3. When the mustard seeds start to sputter, add the cashew nuts, curry leaves and chopped green chillies. Fry for a minute or two.
  4. Pour the tempering over the curd rice and mix well.
  5. Garnish with chopped cilantro and the pomegranates/grapes(optional)
  6. Serve with any vegetable curry or with an Indian pickle or even a chutney.
P.S: I've been on a "blogging-break/vacation" for exactly a month now. I'd like to blame the weather (ever tried touching the laptop when it's 104F??), my family (who've accused me of becoming "addicted to the internet and blogging") and also the fact that I just wasn't able to think of new dishes/articles to share.
In the meanwhile I've been showered with loads of awards-thank you all SO much!! Will do a collective post for the awards next.

Question: What is your favorite dish when the temperatures start to soar?

25 comments:

Pavithra Elangovan said...

mmmmmmmmmmm lovely creamy comforting curd rice.. all time fav for everyone.

Pooja said...

Looks delicious! Always a comforting dish!

chow and chatter said...

the lovely Sweta is back, so happy murug loves Curd rice, ust post a little thats enough we love ya Rebecca

Jenn said...

Wow, never had this before. Almost looks like rice pudding. Looks very creamy and delicious. Yum!!

KennyT said...

Wow, 40-45C is very hot! This Yogurt rice is exactly something I need to fight the hot and humid weather.

Sweta (My Indian Dietitian) said...

Pavithra,Pooja:I agree,nothing like curd rice to end a perfect meal!!
Reb:I'm SO glad I found you and your blog.You've been my BIGGEST supporter-love you!!
Jenn-try it,try it,and you may like it!
Kenny:though I'm from India,I've never lived in that kind of heat ever!!

Christo Gonzales said...

this rice sounds so cooling - I could eat it anytime.

Gina; The Candid RD said...

Welcome back!! A break is sometimes necessary, I agree. Today in Columbus it's 94 degrees, which is hotter than any other day yet this summer. Strangly I haven't eaten any differently than before, but if this weather sticks around I'll be purchasing some popsicles, and making tons of fruit and coffee smoothies!

Diana H said...

When it's hot, we like to grill outside so that we're not heating the house. We do salads too.

Vrinda said...

113 f ,thats too much yaar,here the temp was in the70's from the last 3 days,and raining also..doesn't feel like summer at all..Curd rice .my all time fav .looks delish...

sangeeta said...

it's good to take a break sometimes...it rejuvenates you...n you look fresh with a curd rice.
my fave for a hot summer day will be this one only....and this is our main course with just a roasted papad...:)
my husband likes rice n curds with some sugar or jaggery too....n in fact i enjoyed that in my pregnancy days ( 8 yrs back).

Anonymous said...

The curd rice sounds delicious and I would love it on this hot day we're having today! Welcome back!

Anonymous said...

welcome back after the un announced break( just kidding).the curd rice looks yum..the best way is ot eat with hands..with the curd dripping down ur hands..

Juliana said...

This rice looks delicious and somehow refreshing with yogurt...have to try it!

Michelle @ Find Your Balance said...

Welcome back! Like to trade? - Boston has been unseasonably cold all summer. Today is warm but yesterday I was wearing a sweatshirt!

Lori said...

How interesting! This sounds so great. I haven't had anything like it before. When it gets hot out all I really want is a nice salad or a cold sandwich. That usually does the trick for me. :)

kittymatti said...

My all time fav..u have made it so well dear! nothing can get tastier than curd rice!

Parita said...

Delicious, all time comfort food!

Angie's Recipes said...

Love those creamy dessert typed rice.

Angie's Recipes

Recipeswap said...

thats some really good looking curd rice.

nora@ffr said...

yummm!! vat a creammyy looking rice :) love it!!
cheers!!

Unknown said...

Who can say no to a plate of curd rice on a hot summer day!

lisaiscooking said...

This does sound like a nice dish for hot weather! The pomegranate seeds sound great in it.

kristen :) said...

Hello my dear! I've been wondering where you've been and all your interesting dishes? :) this sounds so refreshing! I'm with you, when it gets 110 around here in Vegas, the last thing I want to do is make something hot and the appetite isn't as strong. I love having cool yogurt and frozen fruit, and lots of smoothies in the summer :)

s said...

looks sooo creamy and delicious.. brilliant blog you have here