Curd, or dahi, is one of the most comforting summer foods. It is not just versatile but also an easily available dairy product enjoyed in most Indian homes. Rich in probiotics, protein, and calcium, it not only aids digestion but also adds a refreshing, tangy flavor to all summer meals. From breakfast to dinner, it is used in many forms to satiate the taste buds. For breakfast, it pairs well with cereals; for lunch and dinner, it works as a mixer to make dishes like kadhi; and for snacking, it tops chaat to add a cooling effect. Take a look at these 12 traditional curd dishes of India that one cannot resist.
1. Dahi Vada
This is a popular Indian snack where soft lentil dumplings (vadas) made with urad dal are soaked in water, then topped with fresh dahi, and finished with chutneys and spices.
2. Kadhi
Kadhi is a popular curry enjoyed with steamed rice during summer. Made with besan, curd, turmeric, and a tempering of panch phoran, green chilli, and mango powder, it is a comforting Indian dish often served with salad on the side.
3. Chaas
Also known as buttermilk, chaas is a traditional Indian drink made by mixing curd with water and seasoning it with cumin powder, pepper, salt, and mint. It is best enjoyed in summer as it keeps the gut cool, hydrates the body, and aids digestion.
4. Shrikhand
Shrikhand is a traditional Indian dessert made with hung curd, sweetened with sugar, and flavored with aromatic spices like saffron, cardamom, and nutmeg. It is especially popular in Maharashtra and Gujarat.
5. Dahi Puri
Dahi puri is a popular Indian street food consisting of crispy puris filled with a mixture of boiled potatoes, sprouted moong, or chickpeas, topped with cool yogurt, sweet and tangy tamarind chutney, spicy green chutney, and garnished with sev, coriander, and pomegranate seeds.
6. Dahi Baigan
Dahi baigan is a popular side dish where eggplant marinated in semolina, besan, turmeric, and salt is pan-seared and then dunked in beaten curd along with ground spices. It goes well with rice and roti.
7. Thayir Sadam
Thayir Sadam, also known as curd rice, is a staple South Indian dish made with softly cooked rice mixed with fresh yogurt, roasted peanuts, and tempered with simple spices like mustard seeds and curry leaves.
8. Pachadi
Pachadi is a South Indian condiment or raita-like dish, usually served as a side with rice or meals. It is made with fresh vegetables or fruits, ground spices, yogurt, and sometimes coconut.
9. Raita
Raita is a popular side dish of India made with beaten curd, spices, and veggies like cucumber, bottle gourd, tomato, and even okra. It also uses a tempering of oil, cumin seeds, and green chili.
10. Dahi Ke Kebab
Dahi ke kebab are shallow-fried delights made with hung curd seasoned with herbs and spices, coated with a slurry, and then coated with breadcrumbs.
11. Lassi
Lassi is a popular sweet drink native to Punjab, made with curd, sugar, malai, rose syrup, and nuts, and further topped with rose petals.
