How to Make Curd – Warm milk and a yogurt starter are combined to create curd, which is then left to ferment for a few hours.
After fermentation, the flowing milk’s consistency gradually changes to resemble a thick, jiggly pudding.
The bacterial fermentation gives the finished product a tart flavor as well.
The Specific bacteria are added to milk during this fermentation process, including Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus.
These microorganisms transform the lactose in milk into lactic acid, which thickens the milk and gives it its distinctive tangy flavor.
Here is a list of some popular Indian recipes that feature yogurt as a key ingredient:
- Raita: Raita is a yogurt-based side dish that is often served with spicy Indian meals.
- It can be made with various additions like cucumber, mint, tomatoes, or boondi (fried chickpea flour pearls) and onion raita
- Chicken Tikka: Chicken pieces are marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices, then grilled or roasted to perfection,
- resulting in a flavorful and tender dish.
- Paneer Tikka: Similar to chicken tikka, this vegetarian version uses paneer (Indian cottage cheese) marinated in yogurt and spices before grilling.
- Kadhi: Kadhi is a tangy yogurt-based curry thickened with besan (gram flour).
- It is often seasoned with spices and pakoras (fritters) and served with rice or chapati.
- Dahi Bhalla: Dahi bhalla, also known as dahi vada, is a popular street food and snack.
- It consists of deep-fried lentil dumplings soaked in yogurt and topped with sweet and tangy chutneys.
- Mango Lassi: A refreshing yogurt-based drink, mango lassi combines yogurt, ripe mangoes, sugar,
- and a touch of cardamom for a delightful and cooling beverage.
- Chicken Biryani: Yogurt is used in the marinade for chicken in biryani, adding flavor and tenderness to the meat.
- It’s a key ingredient in this beloved Indian rice dish.
- Palak Paneer: Palak paneer is a creamy spinach curry with chunks of paneer.
- Yogurt is often used to add richness and creaminess to the sauce.
- Dahi Puri: Dahi puri is a popular street food snack.
- It consists of small hollow crispy puris filled with a mixture of yogurt, tamarind chutney, potatoes, and spices.
- Butter Chicken: This creamy tomato-based chicken curry gets its richness from yogurt.
- It’s a favorite in Indian restaurants around the world.
- Mutton Curry: Yogurt is used in the marinade for mutton (goat or lamb) in various Indian meat curries, adding flavor and tenderness.
- Gujarati Kadhi: A variation of kadhi, Gujarati kadhi is sweet and sour and is made with yogurt and besan.
- It’s often served with khichdi (a rice and lentil dish).
- Dahi Kebabs: These vegetarian kebabs are made by mixing yogurt with various spices and binding agents, then pan-frying or grilling until golden brown.
- Yogurt Rice (Curd Rice): A simple and cooling South Indian dish, yogurt rice is made by mixing cooked rice with yogurt and seasoning it with spices, mustard seeds, and curry leaves.
- Murg Malaiwala: This creamy chicken curry is made with yogurt, cream, and aromatic spices, resulting in a mild and luxurious dish.
These are just a few examples of how yogurt (curd) is used in Indian cuisine to create a wide range of delicious and flavorful dishes.
RECIPE CARD FOR HOW TO MAKE CURD
How to Make Curd - Warm milk and a yogurt starter are combined to create curd, which is then left to ferment for a few hours.
Ingredients
Ingredients You'll Need
To make delicious Indian curd, you'll need:
- 1 liter of cow or buffalo milk
- 2 tablespoons of curd as a starter
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Milk
- Pour the milk into a clean, heavy-bottomed pan.
- Place it on medium heat and bring it to a boil.
- Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom.
- Once the milk comes to a boil, turn off the heat.
Step 2: Cool the Milk
- Allow the boiled milk to cool down to a warm temperature.
- In summer, this may take around 5 hours. Do not refrigerate.
- During winter, it may take about 2 hours to reach the desired temperature.
Step 3: Add Curd Starter
- Take 2 tablespoons of curd as a starter.
- Add a small amount of warm milk to the curd and mix it well to create a smooth paste.
- Pour this mixture back into the warm milk and stir gently.
Step 4: Let It Set
- Cover the milk container with a lid or a clean cloth.
- Place it in a warm, undisturbed spot in your kitchen.
- Let the curd set for 6 to 7 hours. The longer it sets, the thicker it will be.
Step 5: Check for Consistency
- After 7 hours, check the curd's consistency. It should be thick and creamy.
- If it's not set to your liking, leave it for a few more hours.
Step 6: Refrigerate (Optional)
- If you prefer chilled curd, refrigerate it for a few hours before serving.
- You can also transfer it to a separate container for storage.
Tips for Perfect Curd
- Use a clean and dry container for setting the curd.
- Maintain a consistent warm temperature during the setting process.
- Use fresh curd as a starter for the best results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid using aluminum or iron containers for curd as they can react with the acids in the curd.
- Do not add too much curd starter; it can make the curd sour.
- Ensure the milk is not too hot when adding the starter; high temperatures can kill the active cultures.
Dahi, also called as curd in India, is a common ingredient in Indian food.
It is more than simply a side dish,it is a vital ingredient in many dishes and a significant part of a nutritious Indian meal.
Making curd at home is not only more affordable, but it also gives you access to wonderful, fresh curd whenever you want.
I’ll show you how to make curd in your own kitchen in this recipe.
Curd is a multipurpose dairy product that not only pleases the palate but also has several health advantages.
Probiotics, calcium, and protein are all abundant in it, making it a healthy food to include in your diet.
Making curd at home guarantees its purity and freshness.
To perfect the skill of creating curd, refer to this detailed instruction manual.
Ingredients You’ll Need for How to Make Curd
To make delicious Indian curd, you’ll need:
- 1 liter of cow or buffalo milk
- 2 tablespoons of curd (as a starter)
A Step-by-Step Guide for How to Make Curd
Step 1: Boil the Milk
- Pour the milk into a clean, heavy-bottomed pan.
- Place it on medium heat and bring it to a boil.
- Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom.
- Once the milk comes to a boil, turn off the heat.
Step 2: Cool the Milk (how to make curd)
- Allow the boiled milk to cool down to a warm temperature.
- In summer, this may take around 5 hours. Do not refrigerate.
- During winter, it may take about 2 hours to reach the desired temperature.
Step 3: Add Curd Starter (how to make curd)
- Take 2 tablespoons of curd as a starter.
- Add a small amount of warm milk to the curd and mix it well to create a smooth paste.
- Pour this mixture back into the warm milk and stir gently.
Step 4: Let It Set (how to make curd)
- Cover the milk container with a lid or a clean cloth.
- Place it in a warm, undisturbed spot in your kitchen.
- Let the curd set for 6 to 7 hours. The longer it sets, the thicker it will be.
Step 5: Check for Consistency (how to make curd)
- After 7 hours, check the curd’s consistency.
- It should be thick and creamy.
- If it’s not set to your liking, leave it for a few more hours.
Step 6: Refrigerate (Optional)
- If you prefer chilled curd, refrigerate it for a few hours before serving.
- You can also transfer it to a separate container for storage.
Tips for How to make Curd
- Use a clean and dry container for setting the curd.
- Maintain a consistent warm temperature during the setting process.
- Use fresh curd as a starter for the best results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid for How to make Curd
- Avoid using aluminum or iron containers for curd as they can react with the acids in the curd.
- Do not add too much curd starter.
- it can make the curd sour.
- Ensure the milk is not too hot when adding the starter, high temperatures can kill the active cultures.
Health Benefits of Curd
- Curd aids digestion due to its probiotic content.
- It’s an excellent source of calcium and promotes strong bones.
- The protein in curd helps in muscle growth and repair.
Frequently Asked Questions for How to make Curd
(FAQs)
- Can I use store-bought curd as a starter?
- Yes, you can, but using homemade curd is recommended for the best results.
- Why is my curd not setting properly?
- Inadequate warm temperature or using expired curd as a starter can be the reasons. Ensure the right conditions are met.
- Is curd suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals?
- Curd is often well-tolerated by lactose-intolerant individuals because of its lower lactose content.
- Can I flavor my curd with fruits or spices?
- Yes, you can add fruits, honey, or spices to your curd for a unique flavor.
- How long can I store homemade curd?
- Homemade curd can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Making curd at home is not only a culinary delight but also a healthy choice.
With this step-by-step guide, you can enjoy fresh and creamy Indian curd whenever you desire.
So, grab your ingredients, follow the process, and savor the goodness of homemade curd.