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?