Curd Rice Recipe with Mint Flavor
Description: Curd and rice, two staple ingredients, come together to create a delightful and healthy dish. The harmony of these elements offers both taste and nourishment, making Curd Rice a perfect meal choice. Curd Rice, though a beloved South Indian classic, is enjoyed across India for its creamy, soothing flavor and easy preparation. With the addition of fresh mint leaves, this recipe adds a unique twist to the traditional taste, bringing a refreshing aroma and cooling sensation, making it ideal for a wholesome lunch. This quick and simple recipe requires just a few basic ingredients, and you can even customize it by adding fruits or vegetables to suit your preference. It’s a versatile dish that’s loved by people of all ages!
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 1/2 cup |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1 cup |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina) | 20 leaves |
| Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Milk | 1/4 cup |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 1 inch piece |
| Carrot (Gajjar, grated) | 1 medium-sized |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 1 tablespoon, chopped |
| Salt | To taste |
For Tempering:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mustard Seeds (Rai / Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Chili (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1 pinch |
| Curry Leaves | 8 leaves |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2-3
Instructions
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Prep the Rice: Begin by washing and soaking the rice in water for 15 minutes. Once soaked, place the rice in a deep pan or a rice cooker along with 1 and 1/4 cups of water. Add a pinch of salt and the fresh mint leaves, and cook the rice until it is soft and fully cooked.
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Prepare the Curd Mixture: While the rice is cooking, take a bowl and whisk the curd (yogurt) until smooth. Avoid adding water to the curd for this recipe, as you want the yogurt to remain thick and creamy.
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Mash the Rice: Once the rice is cooked, allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, gently mash the rice with a fork or spoon, but don’t over-mash—just break it up slightly to help it mix better with the yogurt.
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Combine with Curd and Milk: Add the whisked curd and milk to the cooled rice, stirring well until the rice and yogurt are fully blended together. Adjust the salt to taste, then set the mixture aside.
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Tempering the Spices: For the tempering, heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a tadka (tempering) pan. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter. Next, add finely chopped green chili, fresh mint leaves, grated carrot, coriander leaves, and curry leaves. Stir for a few seconds, then add a pinch of asafoetida (hing). Stir everything well and immediately switch off the heat.
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Mix the Tempering with Rice: Pour the tempered mixture over the curd rice and mix gently but thoroughly, ensuring that the seasoning is well-distributed throughout the rice.
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Chill the Curd Rice: For the best taste, place the curd rice with the seasoning into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow it to chill and develop its flavors.
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Garnish and Serve: Once chilled, garnish the curd rice with pomegranate seeds and a few fresh mint leaves. Serve alongside your choice of sides, such as Carrots and Coriander Fritters or Mangalorean-style Biscuit Roti, for a satisfying lunch. You can also pack this dish into lunch boxes for a quick, nutritious meal on the go.
Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Calcium | 100 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Tips & Variations:
- Vegetable Add-ins: You can enhance the nutritional value by adding finely chopped vegetables like cucumber, tomato, or even some steamed peas.
- Fruity Twist: For a sweet and savory version, try adding some chopped fruit like apples, pineapple, or grapes to the curd rice for a refreshing burst of flavor.
- Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a spicier version, feel free to add extra green chilies or even a pinch of black pepper to the tempering.
- Vegan Variation: Substitute the curd (yogurt) with a plant-based yogurt like coconut or almond yogurt for a vegan-friendly version of this dish.
Enjoy this delightful Curd Rice with Mint Flavor as a light yet fulfilling lunch, perfect for a busy day or a weekend meal. The fresh mint leaves add a lovely touch of flavor and aroma that sets this dish apart from traditional curd rice.
