Hyderabadi Curd Rice recipe

Curd rice is one of those dishes that always feel comforting, especially on hot summer days. I usually make this recipe when I want something light, quick to make, and easy to digest. It is made using just a few ingredients at home. 

Curd rice is commonly eaten by South Indians as a last course of meal and it is also often offered in temples. 

 Curd rice usually includes tempering with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and sometimes ginger or green chillies. It makes the dish more tempting.

Let’s learn how to make this delicious dish. It is known for its simplicity, health benefits, and versatility.

What you’ll need

1 cup cooked rice – rice is the base of curd rice. I recommend my readers to use well-cooked and soft rice as it mixes with the curd easily.

1 cup fresh curd – Make use of fresh and thick curd. Make sure the curd is not sour as it could affect the final taste of the curd rice.

¼ cup milk (optional, for extra creaminess) – Milk is usually added to keep the curd rice soft for a longer time.

Salt (to taste) – add as per required.

For tempering use the following ingredients: 

1 tsp oil or ghee
½ tsp mustard seeds
½ tsp urad dal
1 green chilli (finely chopped)
1 tsp grated ginger (optional)
A few curry leaves

Step-by-step method of Hyderabadi curd rice 

Step 1: Preparing the rice

1. The first step in cooking curd rice is preparing the rice. For this, take a bowl and add the cooked rice to it.
2. Make sure the rice should be soft and slightly cool, it should not be hot. Take a spoon and gently start mashing the rice so that it breaks a little. 
3. Mashing helps curd to mix smoothly with the rice. 
4. You can also add milk in the next step as it helps the rice to be soft and prevents the curd from getting sour. This step is optional but you can use it if you’re packing it for later hours.

Step 2: Add curd and salt to rice

1. Now add fresh curd and salt to the mashed rice.
2. Mix the rice gently using a spoon or your hands until the rice is evenly coated with curd.
3. At this stage, you do not need to mash the rice anymore. Just combine everything lightly and gently so that the grains stay soft but separate.  

Step 3: Preparing the seasoning

1. In a small pan, heat oil or ghee. To that, add mustard seeds and wait until they pop. 
2. Then add urad dal and keep cooking until it turns golden brown.
3. Add chopped green chilli, ginger, curry leaves and give it a mix. 

Step 4: Combining everything together

1. Pour the hot seasoning on the curd rice.
2. Let it sit for a few seconds so that the flavours can be released.
3. Now, gently mix the curd rice until the seasoning spreads throughout the curd rice.
4. You must make sure not to mash the curd rice.
5. Your tasty curd rice is now ready. Enjoy !

Common Mistakes to Avoid while making Hyderabadi curd rice

1. Never add curd to hot rice as heat can make the curd split and watery. Always let the rice cool down before mixing curd to it.
2. Mix the curd rice gently. If you mix it too much, the rice gets mashed and it will ruin the soft texture. 
3. Always make sure not to use sour curd. Using sour curd can spoil the taste of the curd rice. Instead you can use fresh or only mildly sour curd. 
4. Don’t get excited to add too much seasoning or tempering. It will overpower the taste of the curd rice. Use seasoning in moderation.
5. Since curd has a little bit of mild saltiness, always add it slowly and taste it as you keep adding the salt. 

Frequently asked questions 

1. Can I use leftover rice to make curd rice?

Yes, leftover rice can be used to make curd rice. It suits as long as the rice is soft. But if the rice feels dry, add a little water and heat it slightly before adding curd.

2. How do I prevent curd rice from turning sour?

Preventing curd rice from turning sour can be done by using fresh curd and adding a little bit of milk. Then you can store it in the refrigerator. 

3. What kind of curd is best for curd rice?

Fresh and thick curd results in the best curd rice. I suggest avoiding very sour or watery curd as it affects the taste and texture of the curd rice.

4.  Can I make curd rice without seasoning?

Yes, curd rice can be made without seasoning or tempering. But seasoning adds flavour, and aroma.

5. Can I make curd rice without milk?

Yes, curd rice can be made without using milk. If your curd is fresh, you can skip using milk completely.

6.  Why does my curd rice become watery?

This usually happens when curd is added to hot rice, when very watery curd is used, or when rice is over-mixed.