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Curd Rice

Curd Rice — a classic indian dish made simple at home.

15 min4 serveseasy

Curd Rice is a classic vegetarian Indian recipe built around a handful of pantry staples. It serves 4 and comes together in roughly 15 minutes from prep to plate. It is an approachable, beginner-friendly dish — the kind of recipe you can put on the table in about 15 minutes without much fuss. The method is straightforward, with each step doing one clear job so the finished dish tastes balanced rather than busy.

The headline ingredients here are rice, yogurt and mustard seed. Spend a little time choosing well: fresher, more carefully-sourced versions of these will lift the whole plate, while every other element is mostly there to support them. A few sensible swaps: basmati and long-grain rice are usually interchangeable here and full-fat dairy will always behave more predictably than low-fat versions.

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Nutrition · per serving

421

kcal

10g

Protein

52g

Carbs

34g

Fat

mainvegricequick

Ingredients

  • rice150 g
  • yogurt100 ml
  • mustard seed300 g
  • curry leaf2
  • ginger100 ml
  • green chili1 cup
  • saltstaple
  • pepperstaple

Method

  1. 1
    Step 1 ~3 min

    Prep all ingredients for curd rice and measure them out.

  2. 2
    Step 2 ~3 min

    Heat oil in a pan and sauté aromatics until fragrant.

  3. 3
    Step 3 ~3 min

    Add main ingredients and cook until just done.

  4. 4
    Step 4 ~3 min

    Season with salt, pepper and finish with fresh herbs.

  5. 5
    Step 5 ~3 min

    Plate and serve hot.

Per-step times are approximate and based on the total cook time of 15 minutes.

Pro tips & common mistakes

  • Rinse the rice until the water runs almost clear before cooking — it makes the difference between fluffy separate grains and a sticky clump.
  • Taste a small spoonful just before serving and adjust salt, acid (lemon or vinegar) and heat — that final balance check is what separates a good home cook from a great one.

Browse more Indian recipes or search all recipes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Curd Rice take to cook?
From prep to plate, Curd Rice takes about 15 minutes and yields 4 servings. About a third of that is hands-on; the rest is the cooking itself.
Is Curd Rice vegetarian?
Yes — this version of Curd Rice is fully vegetarian. If you want to make it vegan, swap any dairy or eggs for a plant-based equivalent of the same texture.
What are the key ingredients in Curd Rice?
The headline ingredients are rice, yogurt, mustard seed. The rest of the list is supporting cast — spices, aromatics and pantry staples — that round out the flavour rather than carry it.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes. The ingredient quantities scale linearly: halve for 2 servings or double for 8. Cooking times stay roughly the same, except for anything that depends on pan surface area — if you double a stir-fry, cook it in two batches rather than crowding the pan.
How should I store the leftovers?
Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently — low heat on the stove with a splash of water, or short bursts in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel so it does not dry out.
Can I freeze Curd Rice?
Yes. Cool fully, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently; you may need a splash of water or stock to bring the sauce back to its original consistency.
What should I serve with Curd Rice?
Curd Rice pairs naturally with classic indian sides — a simple grain, a fresh salad, or a light pickle to cut through richness. Aim for something that contrasts the main dish in texture or temperature rather than echoing it.
What if I do not have one of the main ingredients?
Most ingredients in this recipe have sensible swaps. Match like-for-like by texture and cooking time and you will land somewhere close to the original.