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CURD: THE ESSENTIAL ONE


VERSATILE & VARIED IN NATURE

While the story of curd being known to us goes back in history, according to a popular legend, while traveling across a desert, some Turks kept milk in a goatskin bag and slung it across the back of a camel. The desert sun and the bacteria in the bag had enabled the preparation of curd, also known as yogurt. Curd and yogurt: the two terms have often been considered to be synonymous. Curd or Dahi is a dairy product that is made by curdling milk with an edible acidic substance like lemon juice, vinegar, and even curd itself. Curd is a great probiotic that contains good beneficial bacteria known to promote gut activity, soothe the inflamed digestive system, and heal an upset stomach.

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Curd has somehow been a chosen ingredient by a number of international cuisines and its adaptability and versatile nature have helped it gain a lot of popularity when it comes to Indian marination, gravies, lassi, or chaach, shrikhand, or even layered desserts that can use hung curd as well.

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Milk is converted into curd or yogurt by the process of fermentation. Milk consists of globular proteins called casein. Here curd forms because of the chemical reaction between the lactic acid bacteria and casein. During fermentation, the bacteria use enzymes to produce energy (Adenosine triphosphate abbriviated as ATP) from lactose. Curd is made by bacterial fermentation of milk. In this process lactose in milk is converted into lactic acid by several probiotic microorganisms. The species involved in the fermentation depends on the temperature and humidity of the environment and may include Lactococcus lactis and a few more.

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A favorite of many of us in a number of ways from having a bowl full of it or into a raita form, cooking it up in a kadhi concept preparing sweet dishes, etc.

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Here are a few popular Health Benefits of Curd:

  • Curd is rich in proteins and also essential minerals like calcium that helps keep our bones strong.
  • Curd possesses good bacteria called pro-biotics which are great to consume since it helps in digestion.
  • Curd is a great immunity booster and also good to consume on a weight loss program.
  • Curd is heart-healthy and good for our hair and skin too.
  • Curd also helps in preventing allergies and infections.
  • Curd is beneficial in lowering levels of plaque
  • Curd helps to lower hypertension and also prevents cardiovascular diseases.

Do try out these simple and tasty recipes using CURD:

Recipe-1] RAINBOW SALAD WITH INDIANA DRESSING
RAINBOW SALAD WITH INDIANA DRESSING
Recipe-2] CHICKPEA- CUCUMBER & CURD DELIGHT
CHICKPEA- CUCUMBER & CURD DELIGHT
Recipe-3] ADRAKI DAHI WALA MURGH [CHICKEN IN GINGER – CURD BASED GRAVY]
ADRAKI DAHI WALA MURGH [CHICKEN IN GINGER – CURD BASED GRAVY]
Recipe-4] TEMPERED TRIVIA CURD RICE
TEMPERED TRIVIA CURD RICE
Recipe- 5] DAHI PAKODE WALI KADHI [FRITTERS STEEPED IN TEMPERED CURD BASED CURRY]
DAHI PAKODE WALI KADHI [FRITTERS STEEPED IN TEMPERED CURD BASED CURRY]
Recipe-6] BOWL OF ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS
BOWL OF ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author solely. TheRise.co.in neither endorses nor is responsible for them.

About the author

Dr. Kaviraj Khialani – celebrity master chef - is a Mumbai-based author, writer, academician, food –health-lifestyle coach, mentor & consultant.
He is specialized in over 33 International Cuisines & has worked with brands like the Taj Group of Hotels, Kuwait Airways to name a few. Chef Kaviraj has been awarded several Global and National Awards for his outstanding performance and achievements in his chosen field. He has been featured on Star Plus and Colors Television on several food shows as well.


Dr. Kaviraj Khialani

Dr. Kaviraj Khialani – celebrity master chef - is a Mumbai-based author, writer, academician, food –health-lifestyle coach, mentor & consultant. He is specialized in over 33 International Cuisines & has worked with brands like the Taj Group of Hotels, Kuwait Airways to name a few. Chef Kaviraj has been awarded several Global and National Awards for his outstanding performance and achievements in his chosen field. He has been featured on Star Plus and Colors Television on several food shows as well.

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