Yogurt rice is eaten throughout India with great relish. The dish is a favorite of every Indian traveler since it is nutritious and does not get bad even without refrigeration. However, if you are not a die hard curd fan, then you can substitute the yogurt with tamarind pulp or lemon juice to get the taste you fancy. It is a simple preparation and does not take more than 10 minutes of kitchen time once the ingredients are sorted. In many families children are introduced to solid meals with this dish. There are a number of accompaniments that you can relish it with and even eaten plain, it fills in for a snack and meal.
Ingredients:
2 cups of previously cooked rice (preferably Basmati)
1 medium sized onion cut fine
1 tomato pureed in the blender
1 green chili cut very fine
1/2 cup of boiled chana or chickpea
1 tsp of each of red chili powder and ginger paste
1 cup of fresh cream (whipped)
1/4 cup of grated cheese of your choice
Salt to taste and cooking medium as per personal preference
Popular Accompaniments:
Yogurt or dahi rice is a great option to add a special dish to your preplanned menu. The versatility of the dish lies in the fact that it can be eaten at tea time or during lunch or dinner times. It is light on your digestive system and great for the seniors of the family. You can garnish the dish with a dollop of clarified butter or a sprig of mint or just a few curry leaves crackling in hot clarified butter. You can serve it along with an assortment of pickles or chutneys or a variety of papads. Curd rice is everything you imagine taste to be and more. Simple and yet full of flavor, it has potential of earning you the tag of ‘gourmet’.
Main Cooking:
In a heavy bottom vessel, with its own lid, heat the cooking medium.
Add the onion and allow it to cook till it turns a rich golden brown.
Next add the tomato and allow the new addition to lend its flavor and aroma to the onion.
Add the green chili, and boiled chana or chickpea and stir fry for around 5 minutes.
Add the red chili powder and ginger paste and put the lid on.
Let all the ingredients mix well.
Add the rice, salt and cup of fresh cream (whipped) and mix well.
Presentation:
Finally garnish with the grated cheese of your choice and serve hot.
