We all want to keep our taste buds happy, and when what we eat scores high on health too – it’s a clear win-win! Curd due to the probiotic activities of the beneficial bacteria it contains, has a good proportion of minerals like calcium and phosphorus, along with proteins and vitamins, highlighting their efficacy as a good probiotic product. Indeed, curd is a wonder food.
Curd is prepared from sour milk. It is known to have better nutritive value than milk. It is formed by fermentation of lactic acid present in milk. The curd is highly esteemed for its refreshing taste and smoothness. People who have strong intolerance towards milk, can easily easily have curd without any further problem.
In ancient India, curd mixed with honey was known as the ‘food of the Gods ‘. Some people explain that curd is known to be the best food for the mankind.
Curd is popularly known as dahi, in north India while in south people have it mixed in with rice. While in kolkata, curd is popularly known as mishti doi.
Some people also consume curd, due to superstitious beliefs. Some people belief that consuming curd mixed with sugar before starting some journey, is auspicious and will ensure safety and good health.
Here are some reasons why you should add curd to your daily diet, ensuring a lot of health benefits-
Curd helps improve digestion– curd is prepared by fermentation of lactic acid by lactobacillus bacteria, which helps improve digestion. The other reason attributed is that curd is easy to digest and helps control the heat produce by spicy food.
Helps boost immunity- curd has the presence of good bacteria, which strengthens the immunity by fighting several microorganisms present in our body. Consuming curd is known to prevent certain infections, especially vaginal yeast infection in women.
Good for bones and teeth– curd is even more nutritive than milk, with presence of calcium and phosphorus, which promotes growth of bones and makes teeth stronger. Curd is also known to control arthritis and osteoporosis.
Curd as a milk substitute- people those who are intolerant towards milk, generally lactose intolerance can safely consume curd and also is easier to digest.
Makes heart healthy– curd is known to keep in control blood pressure and also helps in reducing the blood cholesterol level by preventing thickening of arteries.
Helps control dandruff problems– curd is an extraordinarily best ingredient known to control dandruff, by mixing it with oil and lemon juice and apply it on scalp. Leave it for an hour, and then wash it with water.
Makes a good skincare product– curd is an excellent ingredient for making homemade packs, with addition of curd, gram flour and lemon juice to get an attractive and glowing face.
There are certain additional benefits of curd like, it helps in curing insomnia. It is also believed consuming curd on a regular basis could prevent premature aging. It is also claimed that curd or even yogurt can improve the condition of colon cancer and food poisoning. It can also help in treatment of diarrhea, bowel movement, constipation and gastrointestinal disorders.
Curd is also used in preparation of beverages by adding water and sugar, salt or some spices to it. Curd is also widely used in preparation of srikand, which is a semi dry mass of curd sweetened with sugar. This is done by suspending curd in a muslin bag , it is then sugared and colored.
1. Curd zucchini lime raita –
A. 1 thinly sliced green zucchini
B. 1 thinly sliced yellow zucchini
C. Lime juice
D. 2 tbs olive oil
E. 1 tsp red chilly flakes
F. 1 tsp peppercorns
G. Salt to taste
H. 2 cups Greek yogurt
I. Garlic cloves
J. 2 scallions, thinly sliced
In a medium sized bowl, add sliced zucchini with olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chilly flakes, pepper and salt. Toss them and keep it aside to marinate for a few minutes.
Heat a grilling pan, grease it with the prepared marinade and arrange the zucchini in single layer. Grill the zucchini on both the sides. In another bowl, combine yogurt, salt and pepper. Spoon the yogurt in an even layer on the platter. Layer the grilled zucchini in an alternating pattern as green and yellow over the yogurt, drizzle the remaining marinade over it.
Serve it, garnished with scallions over it.
2. Curd spicy chicken-
A. 1 kg whole chicken
B. Garlic clove
C. Ginger
D. 2 tsp chili powder
E. 16 tbsp curd
F. Salt
G. 2 tsp black pepper
H. Soy sauce
I. 2 tsp coriander powder
J. 2 tsp cumin seeds
K. Coriander leaves
L. Oil
M. 1 big onion, chopped
N. Tomato sauce
Combine tomato sauce, soy sauce, chili powder, garlic, salt, pepper and curd in a bowl and mix well. Marinate the chicken in this mixture and keep aside for 2 hours.
Heat oil in the pan, and add chopped onion, cumin seeds, coriander powder, ginger and garlic and saute. Add in the chicken with little curd, and cook on low flame till the chicken turns tender. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve.
