Curd, also known as yogurt, is a versatile ingredient with many culinary applications. You can use it in sweet, savory, and even medicinal ways. Here's a breakdown of how to incorporate curd into your diet:
Culinary Uses
Indian Dishes
Curd is a staple in Indian cuisine and used in a variety of dishes:
- Raita: A cooling condiment made by mixing curd with vegetables like cucumber, onion, and spices.
- Kadhi: A yogurt-based curry, often thickened with gram flour (besan) and flavored with spices.
- Dahi Vada: Lentil dumplings soaked in yogurt and topped with chutneys and spices.
- Curries: Curd adds richness and tanginess to many vegetable and meat curries.
Meat Tenderizer
The lactic acid in curd acts as a natural tenderizer for meat. Marinating meat in curd before cooking helps to break down the protein fibers, resulting in a more tender and juicy dish. This is commonly used in:
- Kebabs: Tenderize meat for grilling or frying.
- Biryani: Creates a more flavorful and tender meat component.
Desserts
Curd can also be transformed into delicious desserts:
- Shrikhand: A traditional Indian dessert made from hung curd (thickened curd) mixed with sugar and flavored with cardamom and saffron.
- Smoothies: Add curd to smoothies for creaminess and a boost of protein.
- Dips: Create yogurt-based dips for fruits and vegetables.
Other Uses
- Hair Conditioner: Curd can be applied to hair as a natural conditioner, leaving it soft and shiny.
- Skincare: It can be used as a face mask to moisturize and exfoliate the skin.
In short, curd is an incredibly versatile ingredient with culinary and other practical uses, lending itself well to a variety of dishes and beauty applications.
