Curd Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice (preferably short-grain)
• 1 cup plain yogurt (curd)
• 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon urad dal (black gram lentils)
• 1 teaspoon chana dal (split chickpeas)
• 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1/2 inch ginger, grated
• A pinch of hing (asafoetida)
• Curry leaves for tempering
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

(Approximate total kcal: 250 per serving)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cooking the Rice Cook the rice until it's soft and each grain is separate. Allow it to cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Preparing the Tempering In a pan, heat oil or ghee. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add urad dal, chana dal, chopped green chilies, grated ginger, hing, and curry leaves. Sauté until the dals turn golden brown.

Step 3: Mixing Rice and Yogurt Add the cooked rice to the pan and mix well with the tempering. Allow it to cool slightly.

Step 4: Adding Yogurt and Seasoning Once the rice has cooled a bit, add plain yogurt and salt. Mix thoroughly to combine. Adjust the consistency by adding more yogurt if needed.

Step 5: Garnishing and Serving Garnish the Curd Rice with fresh coriander leaves. Serve it at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Step 6: Optional Additions For added flavor, you can include grated carrots, pomegranate seeds, or finely chopped cucumber.

Curd Rice is a delightful dish that brings together the refreshing qualities of yogurt and the comforting simplicity of rice, making it a staple in South Indian cuisine. Perfect for a quick meal or as part of a festive spread.