Curd Rice is one of the most comforting and cooling South Indian dishes made with soft cooked rice, curd (Indian yogurt), and a simple tempering of spices. It’s popularly known as Thayir Sadam in Tamil and Daddojanam in Telugu. This dish is not only delicious but also extremely soothing for the stomach, especially during the hot summer months.
🧾 What Is Curd Rice?
Curd Rice is a traditional South Indian recipe where freshly cooked rice is mixed with thick curd and salt, then tempered with curry leaves, mustard seeds, and mild spices. It’s often served as part of a South Indian meal or offered to deities during pujas and temple rituals.
Many South Indian temples also distribute Curd Rice as prasadam, which is loved by devotees for its divine taste and cooling properties.
🕒 Preparation Time
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Servings: 2–3 persons
🍚 Ingredients for Curd Rice Recipe
For Rice Mixture
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1 cup cooked rice (soft and slightly mushy)
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1 cup thick curd (Indian yogurt)
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¼ cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
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Salt to taste
For Tempering
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1 tbsp oil or ghee
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½ tsp mustard seeds
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1 tsp urad dal (split black gram)
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1–2 dry red chilies
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1–2 green chilies (chopped)
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1 sprig curry leaves
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1 tbsp finely chopped ginger
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1 pinch asafoetida (hing)
Optional Garnish
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Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
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Pomegranate seeds or grated carrots
👩🍳 How to Make Curd Rice (Step-by-Step Method)
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Wash and cook 1 cup of rice with 2½ cups of water until soft and slightly mushy. Let it cool completely before adding curd.
Step 2: Prepare the Curd Mixture
In a large bowl, add the cooked rice and mash it lightly using a spoon or potato masher. Add curd, salt, and milk (if using). Mix well until the rice becomes creamy and smooth.
Step 3: Make the Tempering
Heat oil or ghee in a small pan. Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter. Then add urad dal, red chilies, green chilies, ginger, curry leaves, and asafoetida. Fry for 30–40 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Pour this tempering over the prepared curd rice and mix gently. Garnish with coriander leaves, grated carrots, or pomegranate seeds.
Your Curd Rice (Thayir Sadam) is ready to serve!
🌿 Expert Tips (Star Tips)
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Use Freshly Cooked Rice: Avoid using leftover or refrigerated rice as it can cause indigestion and alter the taste.
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Cool Rice Before Adding Curd: Mixing curd with hot rice may curdle it. Let the rice cool completely before adding curd.
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Consistency: For a softer texture, add a little milk or water before serving.
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Healthy Grains: You can substitute white rice with brown rice, millet, or broken wheat for a healthier version.
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Adjust Spice: For kids or those with mild spice tolerance, reduce the number of chilies.
💪 Health Benefits of Curd Rice
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Good for Digestion: Curd contains probiotics that support gut health and improve digestion.
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Cooling Effect: This dish helps lower body heat, especially during hot weather.
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Rich in Nutrients: Provides calcium, protein, and healthy fats from yogurt.
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Prevents Sunstroke: Traditionally eaten during summer to prevent dehydration and heat stroke.
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Improves Mood: Curd rice acts as a comfort food that keeps your body and mind relaxed.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Curd rice tastes best when served with:
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South Indian pickle (mango, lime, or ginger)
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Papad or fried appalam
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Roasted peanuts or fried curry leaves on top
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Fresh cucumber or onion slices
🛕 Temple Style vs Home Style
In home-style curd rice, tempering is made with ginger, curry leaves, and chilies for flavor.
In temple-style Curd Rice (Daddojanam), the recipe is simpler — often made with minimal spices, sometimes with added milk, and served cold as prasadam.
❄️ Storage Tips
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
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Before serving again, bring it to room temperature and mix in 2–3 tbsp milk or fresh curd to restore its texture.
🧡 Conclusion
Curd Rice (Thayir Sadam) is not just food — it’s comfort in a bowl! With its creamy texture, light spices, and cooling effect, it’s perfect for every meal, especially in the summer. Try this simple yet delicious Curd Rice Recipe today and enjoy a traditional South Indian flavor at home.
