This recipe makes me wonder how come something so simple can be so comforting and tasty. It is just rice and curd with some South Indian tempering flavors. That’s it. You take a bite of it and it would be difficult to stop. Literally.
This meal is perfect for any summer day because it is refreshing and light and it is served cold which is what we need on a hot summer day. You can make it when you don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen and still want something tasty. And it is the best for the days when you have an upset stomach and don’t feel like eating anything. This recipe comforts you, soothes you, and makes you feel energized.
You can check out our delicious collection of South Indian Recipes: Sambar, Raw Mango Dal Rasam, Instant Masala Dosa, and 4 South Indian Chutneys.
Story Time
Let me share how I came to know about this recipe. It is the year 2005 when I first left my home and started living in my college hostel. I was very happy and excited about being away from home. I wanted independence and also wanted to live and explore things without the safety net of my parents. My dad, especially, was very particular about the food that we eat. He was never in favor of eating outside food. He always said that whatever you want to eat, your mom will make it much better and more hygienic. So, we always had homecooked food – from pani puri to ras malai, from dal chawal (lentils with rice) to street-style chowmein. My mom is an amazing home chef.
When I moved to the hostel and started having hostel food, my stomach was not ready for this big change. After just a couple of months, I got a bad stomach infection. My dad had to come to the hostel and take me home. That was the time when I lost my appetite and vomited everything that I was eating. But you have to eat even when you can’t. & then my mom made this simple curd rice for me. I had it almost every day because that was the only food that was giving me some comfort and energy. & slowly I recovered and came back to my healthy self 🙂
So, you also must give this simple recipe a try. I am sure you will love its simplicity and amazing flavors.
What is Curd Rice?
Curd Rice is a popular South Indian recipe that gets ready in a jiffy. It is so simple yet packed with amazing flavors.
It is often made with the leftover rice or with the precooked rice that has been cooled down completely. The rice is then mixed with some curd, and coriander and tempered with some basic ingredients like curry leaves, mustard seeds, dry red chili, salt, and asafoetida. It is that simple to make and it is quite comforting and light to enjoy over a meal. This recipe makes the perfect food for the days when you don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. It is soothing and refreshing in the summer season.
How to cook rice for curd rice?
Generally, the ratio of rice and water to cook rice is 1:2. For 1 cup of rice, we add 2 cups of water and cook until the water is absorbed and the rice is well cooked. But for curd rice, we need the rice to be soft and mushy. For that, keep the ratio of rice and water to 1:3. For 1 Cup of rice, add 3 cups of water and cook until the water is absorbed.
Make sure you cool down the rice completely before adding curd to it. Hot rice may split the curd.
You can even use leftover rice for this recipe.
How to serve Curd Rice?
Curd rice doesn’t need any accompaniment. It tastes good as is. But you eat it with some Indian pickles or roasted papad.
Also, this recipe is served cold. Do not make it with hot rice. Also, the curd needs to be chilled. If these ingredients are at room temperature, chill the prepared recipe in the refrigerator for some time.
Is this recipe vegan?
No. I used dairy curd and milk in this recipe. But if you want, you can substitute these two ingredients with plant-based alternatives of your choice.
Indian vegan recipes to try – Misal Pav, Seviyan, Vegan Dum Biryani.
More summer meals to try
- Vietnamese Summer Rolls
- UP Special Sattu Paratha (roasted chana flour parathas)
- Aam Panna Mojito
Now we are all ready to make this deliciously simple and comforting meal – Curd Rice. It is a nourishing bowl of happiness. Make it over lunch or for a quick dinner. Enjoy this cold meal and get energized on this hot summer day.
If you make this recipe and like it too, please share the photo of your dish on Instagram and tag us too @thefearlesscooking. We love to see your recreation of our recipes.
Happy Cooking 🙂
Love from us
Richa & Jatin
Tell us what you think