As explained in simple terms, the fermentation of milk leads to the formation of Curd.
Curd, Dahi, or Yogurt known by various names is a staple of every Indian kitchen. It is used in various Indian dishes and drinks. But, compared to North India it is widely used along with rice in almost all the South Indian States and it will not be an exaggeration to say that there will be no house in South India which does not use Curd at the time of lunch or dinner irrespective of the seasons.
CURD IN NORTH INDIA
While in North India Curd is used as side dish for Parathas, Bhelpuri, Samosas, Chapatis, there are many other varieties of stuff viz., Srikhand, Curd chutney, Piyush vegetable Salads, Cucumber raita, bottle gourd raita prepared using Curd. Curd Lassi is the most popular drink in North India preferred during the summer season.
CURD IN SOUTH INDIA
In South India, as stated earlier, it is used in almost all houses along with rice both for lunch and dinner irrespective of the seasons. In the Rural areas of South India, there is a food item known by the name ‘CHADDI ANNAM which is mostly preferred by the Agriculture laborers as well as Agriculturists. There is another preparation known by the name CURD chutney which is preferred as a side dish for BIRYANI where Curd and grated onions are mixed.
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Some grated Raita is slightly roasted in ghee and is mixed in curd which will be rich in taste if eaten with hot boiled rice with two spoons of Ghee over it.
A summer drink in South India is known by the name Chaach. It is prepared by mixing water in the Curd and churning the mix. There will be more water in it. Some cumin seeds, jeera, some salt, and coriander leaves, some ginger are added to the mix and it is served free of cost to the passers-by during the summer season by welfare organizations and charity Institutions. During summer, most of the South Indian prefer Buttermilk as it drives away the heat in the summer.
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Another interesting dish is SANKATI which is prepared with the flour of finger millets. People prefer this dish and make a thick drink by adding Buttermilk and Onion pieces to it. This is again an excellent food item during summer.
The Curd has got man health benefits:
The Curd has got rich quantities of Calcium and phosphorous which are very important for strong bones and teeth. Hence, eating Curd regularly in the diet makes the teeth and bones strong.
There was a wrong opinion about the Curd that it increases fat in the body that is dangerous to heart and a increases the weight of the body. But, the recent studies have proved that it actually helps in weight loss.
Eating curd regularly reduces the fat around the belly. The greater amount of Calcium allows the fat cells helps in the less release of Cortisol. As such there will be a loss of weight.
Usage of Curd prevents the formation of fat around the arterial region. Thus prevents hypertension and high blood pressure and thus balance the level of cholesterol In the body. Thus the health of the heart is maintained.
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It is used as a beauty product, for head to remove dandruff, immunity booster, and also as an immunity booster equal in terms of milk.
Apply curd on the head. Leave it for 20 minutes. After that wash it with natural or herbal shampoo using warm water. It effectively removes dandruff amazingly. It protects the body from various micro-organisms by developing a healthy immune system.
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Hear of curd often. But you have clarified a lot about what it is and how it used. Didn't know that beauty tip. That's a bonus. Enjoyed this post! Adding it to my collection of stuff about world cuisine. :)