Asian Indian Comfort Food, or Curd Rice
Simple recipe for soothing Indian curd rice with yogurt, tempering, and storage tips. Quick, mild, and fridge-friendly.
This is the most unlikely comfort food I have ever eaten, and by far my favorite. It's known for its calming, soothing taste served at room temperature. The ingredients may bely the actual comfort this food gives...though perhaps it suits certain people, too! You just have to try it.
Submitted by: amy matthews from chicago, IL
Yield: Enough to feed me for a few days - although it can be shared if you have the right company!
- Mix hot cooked rice with plain yogurt, salt, and a tempering of mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves, and dried chiles.
- Serve at room temperature or chilled; garnish with ginger, chopped green chili, and cilantro for balance.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 2 to 3 days; adjust yogurt thickness if using Greek or non-dairy yogurt.
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Preparation Instructions:
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is curd rice?
Curd rice is a soothing South Indian dish made by mixing cooked rice with plain yogurt and a spiced oil tempering of mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves, and dried chiles. It is usually served at room temperature or chilled.
Can I use Greek yogurt or non-dairy yogurt?
Yes. Greek yogurt is thicker so thin it with a little water or milk to reach a creamy consistency. Plant based yogurts like soy or coconut work too, but they change the flavor and texture.
Will adding hot rice kill the yogurt cultures?
If the rice is very hot it can reduce live cultures. To keep probiotics, let the rice cool slightly until warm, not steaming, before folding in yogurt. The dish still tastes fine when yogurt is added while rice is hotter.
Can I make curd rice with leftover rice?
Yes. Leftover cooled rice is commonly used. Mix in the yogurt and salt, then add the hot tempering. You may need less yogurt because leftover rice absorbs less liquid.
What can I substitute for urad dal and curry leaves?
Urad dal can be swapped with toasted chana dal or split yellow lentils for crunch. Curry leaves have a unique flavor; if you cannot find them try a small pinch of lime zest for brightness, but the taste will differ.
How long does curd rice keep and how should I store it?
Store curd rice covered in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Serve chilled or bring to room temperature before eating. Discard if it smells off or shows visible spoilage.
How do I make curd rice milder or spicier?
For milder flavor remove seeds from the green chili or omit it. To increase heat add chopped fresh chilies, crushed red pepper, or more toasted dried chiles in the tempering.
Is curd rice gluten free and suitable for babies?
Curd rice is naturally gluten free when made with plain rice and yogurt. It can be offered to older babies after consulting a pediatrician, but avoid added salt, hot spices, and whole chiles for infants.
What is curd rice?
Curd rice is a soothing South Indian dish made by mixing cooked rice with plain yogurt and a spiced oil tempering of mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves, and dried chiles. It is usually served at room temperature or chilled.
Can I use Greek yogurt or non-dairy yogurt?
Yes. Greek yogurt is thicker so thin it with a little water or milk to reach a creamy consistency. Plant based yogurts like soy or coconut work too, but they change the flavor and texture.
Will adding hot rice kill the yogurt cultures?
If the rice is very hot it can reduce live cultures. To keep probiotics, let the rice cool slightly until warm, not steaming, before folding in yogurt. The dish still tastes fine when yogurt is added while rice is hotter.
Can I make curd rice with leftover rice?
Yes. Leftover cooled rice is commonly used. Mix in the yogurt and salt, then add the hot tempering. You may need less yogurt because leftover rice absorbs less liquid.
What can I substitute for urad dal and curry leaves?
Urad dal can be swapped with toasted chana dal or split yellow lentils for crunch. Curry leaves have a unique flavor; if you cannot find them try a small pinch of lime zest for brightness, but the taste will differ.
How long does curd rice keep and how should I store it?
Store curd rice covered in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Serve chilled or bring to room temperature before eating. Discard if it smells off or shows visible spoilage.
How do I make curd rice milder or spicier?
For milder flavor remove seeds from the green chili or omit it. To increase heat add chopped fresh chilies, crushed red pepper, or more toasted dried chiles in the tempering.
Is curd rice gluten free and suitable for babies?
Curd rice is naturally gluten free when made with plain rice and yogurt. It can be offered to older babies after consulting a pediatrician, but avoid added salt, hot spices, and whole chiles for infants.
This is the most surprising, fabulous comfort food! the flavors really enhance each other surprisingly, nothing is too harsh (maybe the fresh ginger sometimes), and it settles me like NO other food, not even comfort foods I grew up with. hurrah for curd rice!