Today I bring to you the curd rice recipe for babies and toddlers.
Curd rice also known as 'thayir saadam' is a simple comfort food from Tamil Nadu where it is served at the end of their meal. It is perfect for the summer and helps a lot to cool down the body as the main ingredients are curd and rice.
Curd rice reminds me of my monthly visits to the hospital in Coimbatore. I had eye infection and was treated at a famous hospital there.
For monthly checkups and minor surgery I used to go along with my dad from Palakkad to Coimbatore.
The curd rice served at a hotel near by the hospital was so good that with time I started looking forward to my monthly checkups very eagerly just for that bowl of yumminess 😛
The consistency of the curd rice served was very creamy and flowy, with grated carrots, chopped ginger, cucumber and fresh coriander leaves, finished off with a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves and red chillies.
This summer I was reminded me of my Coimbatore days and with it the curd rice memories too. I decided to make it at home and share with you so that you can try it too.
Curd rice or yogurt rice can be given to babies of 11 months and above by mashing with hand. It's an apt lunch box recipe along with a vegetable stir fry for pre-schoolers and kids.
When you are confused on what to make for your lunch at home, churn out this easy and healthy meal with the left over rice too.
I have seen another version of curd rice with nuts and fruits known as 'bagala rice'. But here I have prepared a plain authentic curd rice version without any vegetables.
Benefits of curd rice:
Curd rice, thayir sadam or yogurt rice is beneficial in many ways.
- Very good source of Vitamin B12
- Being alkaline in nature, protects the digestive system
- Cuts down the usual drowsiness caused by eating plain rice
- Cools down the tummy as it neutralizes the heat
Curd rice recipe - preparation method:
Pressure cook rice till it achieves a mashy texture. Spread out the rice in a plate so that its completely cooled down.
Once cooled thoroughly, add milk. The addition of milk ensures the creamy texture of the curd rice. It also helps to reduce the sourness of the curd.
Whisk or beat thick curd into a creamy smooth consistency with salt. Add it to the rice. Add grated carrots, cucumber, ginger and coriander leaves. Make a tadka of mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves and long red chillies. Pour it over the curd rice.
You can serve it as it is or after refrigerating for 5 to 10 minutes.
Curd Rice or Thayir Sadam
Note:
- You can use peanuts and cashews in the tadka
- Chopped raw mangoes can also be added
- You can also add grapes, pomegranate and preferred nuts if your baby prefers sweet version
- Addition of ginger is optional
- For babies you need not refrigerate the curd rice
- You can give curd rice to babies of 8 months and above by skipping the milk in the recipe
If you are looking for rice recipes, you can also try the tomato rice for babies and kids.
Hope you liked the curd rice recipe for babies and kids. Do try at home and share with me in comments the response.
