Collection of yogurt recipes.
What is Indian curd
Yogurt is an essential part of our food. It is a part of our breakfast, lunch, dinner, and lunch boxes too. Be it summer or winter, this is an important part of our daily food. I cannot imagine a day without yogurt aka curd or mosaru or dahi.
In India, curd actually refers to unsweetened plain yogurt. Making yogurt at home is a ritual in most South Indian households. Curd/yogurt is a part of our breakfast, lunch, dinner, and lunch boxes too. Be it summer or winter, this is an important part of our daily food.
Curd is made by bacterial fermentation of milk. Typically, lukewarm milk is mixed with some curd starter and is left to ferment. If a curd starter is not available, a stem of green chilli is used to begin the fermentation process.
Benefits of yogurt
Yogurt is high in beneficial proteins and fats, along with many essential vitamins and minerals, the most notable being B12 and Vitamin D. Yogurt is also a very good source of calcium. Good quality yogurt is very high in probiotic bacteria which is very beneficial for gut health. Probiotics also help in reducing inflammation. Yogurt should be avoided by people with milk allergy, however people with mild lactose intolerance may be able to tolerate homemade yogurt which has been fermented for at least 24 hours.
My collection of yogurt recipes
While eating yogurt as-is can be my favourite, here are some delicious ways of using it. Set thick yogurt at home and use these recipes to make delicious food out of it.
Homemade Yogurt: Make thick and delicious curd or yogurt at home with this easy recipe.
Curd Rice: Curd rice or mosaranna is a simple comforting dish made with rice and yogurt. Mosaru means yogurt and anna means rice in Kannada.
Majjige Huli: Majjige means buttermilk in Kannada and this tangy mildly spicy curry is made with buttermilk or yogurt, coconut, and water-based vegetables.
Gujarati Kadhi: Gujarati kadhi is a very popular dish from Gujarat, which is made with dahi (or yogurt) and besan (gram flour/chickpea flour). This simple dish is ready in less than 20 minutes and pairs very well with rice and also with khichdi.
Dahi Vada: Dahi vada/mosaru vade is a delicious dish where split black gram fritters are dunked in a spicy yogurt mix. They are great as chaat or snack and can be served as a side dish at lunch/dinner too.
Beetroot Raita: Raita is a yogurt-based accompaniment or condiment that is great with everyday meals and also a great dip. The most commonly used vegetables in raita are cucumber, tomato, and onion, but this version of raita made with beetroots tastes very different and absolutely delicious.
Curd Chilli: Curd chilli is a popular condiment of South India, which is similar to papad. It is usually made during summer as the chillies are sundried under direct sunlight.
Shrikhand: Shrikhand is a simple dessert made with hung curd (or yogurt). Hung curd is nothing but plain yogurt with all the whey drained out, making it very thick and creamy. This hung curd is then flavoured as per our likings.
Aamrakhand: Aamrakhand is shrikhand flavoured with mango. Making this creamy, luscious, and healthy dessert with mango is a perfect summer treat. A chilled bowl of aamrakhand is a perfect way of celebrating summer.
Strawberry Shrikhand: A chilled bowl of thick and creamy strawberry shrikhand is a perfect way to enjoy this delicious fruit. This exotic, delicious dessert is perfect for both your celebrations and just weekday sweet cravings.
For more ingredient-specific recipes, click here.
