Yogurt, known as “curd” in India, is a staple in Indian cuisine and plays a significant role in various dishes and food preparations. Here are some of the primary uses of yogurt in India:
- Curd Rice (Thayir Sadam): A popular South Indian dish, curd rice is made by mixing cooked rice with yogurt and seasoning it with spices, often including mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies. It’s a cooling and soothing dish, often served with pickles.
- Raita: Raita is a yogurt-based side dish that can be made with various ingredients like cucumber, tomato, onion, mint, and more. It is seasoned with spices like cumin and salt, and it serves as a cooling accompaniment to spicy Indian meals.
- Lassi: Lassi is a traditional Indian yogurt-based drink. It comes in two primary varieties: sweet lassi, made with yogurt, sugar, and sometimes fruit, and salty lassi, which includes yogurt, salt, and spices. Lassi is a refreshing beverage, especially popular during the summer.
- Yogurt-Based Gravies: Yogurt is used in many Indian gravies, like kadhi (a yogurt-based curry with gram flour) and avial (a South Indian dish with vegetables and a coconut-yogurt base).
- Marinades: Yogurt is often used in marinades for meat, poultry, and fish dishes. For example, chicken tikka and tandoori dishes are marinated in yogurt with spices, which tenderizes the meat and imparts flavor.
- Desserts: Yogurt is used in the preparation of Indian desserts, such as shrikhand (a sweet, saffron-flavored yogurt dessert) and mishti doi (a sweet yogurt dessert from West Bengal).
- Kadhi: Kadhi is a North Indian dish made with yogurt and besan (gram flour). It is seasoned with spices and often includes pakoras (fritters).
- Yogurt Parfait: A modern twist on traditional uses, yogurt parfaits have become popular in India. They consist of layers of yogurt, granola, fresh fruits, and honey.
- Yogurt-Based Chutneys: Some chutneys are yogurt-based, like the coconut yogurt chutney found in South Indian cuisine. These chutneys add a creamy and cooling element to spicy dishes.
- Yogurt in Breads: In some regions, yogurt is used in bread recipes like naan and bhatura to create soft and fluffy texture.
- Yogurt-Based Salads: Yogurt can be used as a dressing in salads, providing a creamy and tangy element to the dish.
- Ayurvedic and Medicinal Uses: In Ayurvedic medicine, yogurt is considered a cooling food that helps balance the body’s doshas (energetic forces) and is often recommended for digestive health.
Yogurt, or curd, is a versatile ingredient in Indian cuisine, valued for its taste, cooling properties, and health benefits. It adds richness and creaminess to many dishes while also providing a refreshing and balanced element to the meal.