A staple in many parts of the world, curd or yogurt is an amusing and accidental discovery for mankind. Curd has been around for a long time and is widely used in cooking and for its medicinal properties.
Components: The basic and most natural form of curd is made from milk, which is curdled by culture (hamman), and other acid substances such as lemon and vinegar. Bean curd made by curdling soy milk is another healthy option.
The sugar and lactose present in milk are converted to lactic acid during the curdling process, resulting in a thick, solid form called curd or yogurt.
Tips to fix a perfect curd:
- The quality of the curd is highly dependent on the existing culture used to curdle the milk. Use fresh culture (hamman) to set the curd.
- Boil the required amount of milk and cool it to room temperature. Add just a teaspoon of existing curds and set aside in a warmer place to set the curds.
- Buffalo milk curd is thicker than cow’s milk curd.
- Use a teaspoon of soybean powder for a thick and creamy curd.
- It takes 5-6 hours in hot weather and 14-15 hours in cold weather to get a perfectly set curd. To speed up the curdling process in winter, place the milk with the culture in a microwave without turning it on.
- The warm case helps to set the curd faster during the winter.
Curd Health Benefits:
- The most important and healthy living bacteria present in the curd make it a very special and nutritious food option for all ages.
- Curd is rich in calcium, protein, riboflavin and vitamins.
- It is low in fat and high in potassium, as long as the milk used to make the curd is skimmed and low in fat.
- The curd is used to prevent diarrhea.
- Curd is supposed to increase longevity and immunity.
- Reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol in the blood.
- It helps against arthritis and stomach ulcers and many other stomach ailments.
- Improves digestion.
- The calcium present in the curd helps to strengthen the bones.
- Curd is very useful during the treatment of certain ailments, as it replenishes beneficial bacteria lost during intense medication.
- Last but not least, it is a great help for lactose intolerant people who are allergic to milk and milk products. As the protein in the curd is easier to digest than that in milk.
Cautious way of including curd in the diet;
- Use skim milk or low-fat milk to set the curds.
- Buttermilk is a much healthier option than curd, which is 1:3 parts curd to water.
- lassi – Thick, sweetened buttermilk is a refreshing summer drink.
- srikhand and the indian delicacy is a great dessert.
- Add nuts, fresh fruit, and granolas to a bowl of curds for a healthy breakfast.
- Prepare oatmeal porridge with curd and roasted cumin powder.
- Sprinkle on herbs like coriander leaves, mint, and dill for a tasty accompaniment to any meal.
- Sauces made with hung curd are good with sliced fruits and steamed vegetables.
- raita It is a great recipe that goes well with any meal of the day. Mix together slices of cucumber, pineapple, and apples for a refreshing raitas.
- Add a teaspoon of sugar while preparing the curd for a quick and refreshing dessert.
That’s three cheers for curd, with all the increased health benefits and for being one of the most versatile cooking ingredients available to us.