Curd rice facts for kids
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| Alternative names | Yogurt rice |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | India |
| Region or state | South Indian Cuisine |
| Main ingredients | Rice, yogurt, tempering |
Curd rice, also called yogurt rice, is a popular and tasty dish from India. In Indian English, the word "curd" means unsweetened yogurt. This dish is very popular in the southern states of India. These include Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. It is also enjoyed in Maharashtra.
Curd rice has different names in different states. In Maharashtra, it is known as dahi bhat. In Tamil Nadu, people call it thayir saadam. In Kerala, it is tayire chōre. In Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, it is called perugannam or daddojanam. In Karnataka, it is known as mosaranna. This dish is a basic part of traditional meals. A simple version is often served at the end of almost every South Indian meal. A more special version is served at formal events. It is also offered as prasadam (blessed food) in temples.
How is Curd Rice Made?
Making curd rice is quite simple. You can just mix cooked white rice with yogurt. However, there are also more detailed ways to prepare it.
First, the rice is cooked until it is very soft. This is usually done by steaming or pressure cooking. Then, the cooked rice is left to cool down. Once it's cool, people add finely chopped green chillies, ginger, and curry leaves. Sometimes, they also add a special mix of spices called tempering. This tempering can include black gram, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and asafoetida. Finally, curd and salt are mixed in.
Another way to make it is by mashing leftover cooked rice with some salt and curd. A little milk can be added to make it less sour. Then, it's topped with fried urad dal, mustard seeds, green chilli, and chopped coriander. Adding some chopped onions can help keep the curd rice from getting sour too quickly.
In some places, curd rice is served in a special way. Steamed rice is mixed with mild curd and salt. Then, it is tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, dry chillies, and black gram. The toppings can be different depending on the region. They might include grated carrots, pomegranate seeds, raisins, grapes, fried cashews, grated raw mango, or boondi. You can eat it warm or cold. Some people also add a pinch of powdered and roasted asafoetida.
There are many different ways to make curd rice. Each region has its own special touches. For example, in Karnataka, yogurt chillies (sandige menasu) are often added to the tempering. But no matter the variation, the main parts are always rice, yogurt, tempered spices, and fresh ingredients.
Why is Curd Rice Eaten?
Curd rice is often eaten with South Asian pickles. In South Indian meals, curd rice is traditionally eaten at the very end of lunch and dinner. This helps to cool down the mouth after eating spicy foods. It is also believed to help with digestion. Plus, it helps balance the effects of the warm climate in India.
Images for kids
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The authentic South Indian dish
See also
In Spanish: Cuajada de arroz para niños
