Curd Rice Recipe (Thayir Sadam)
Quick to make and soothing to eat, this South Indian yogurt rice is perfect for any day. Thayir Sadam, a traditional South Indian curd rice loved by families across India and around the world.
Curd Rice (Thayir Sadam) is a traditional South Indian comfort food made with soft cooked rice and creamy yogurt, lightly seasoned with curry leaves, green chilies, and ginger. This easy South Indian curd rice recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner and is known for its cooling effect on the stomach. Serve it with pickle, papad, or fresh coriander for a wholesome, authentic Indian meal. Ideal for beginners, this yogurt rice dish is a healthy, probiotic-rich option loved in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
Ingredients and Substitutes
- Rice: Use short-grain white rice like sona masoori or ponni which cooks soft and fluffy. You can also use basmati rice if you prefer a lighter texture.
- Curd/Yogurt: Use fresh plain yogurt to make the rice creamy and tangy. Greek yogurt or low-fat yogurt can be used as a substitute.
- Milk: Milk is optional and makes the rice extra creamy. You can try coconut milk or almond milk for a different flavor.
- Salt: Use regular table salt to taste. Pink Himalayan salt can be used as an alternative.
- Green Chilies: Slit or finely chop green chilies to add mild heat. You can use mild chili flakes or skip them if you want a less spicy dish.
- Ginger: Grate fresh ginger to give a subtle zing. Ginger paste or a small amount of powdered ginger can be used instead.
- Curry Leaves: Fresh curry leaves add authentic South Indian aroma. Dried curry leaves or a pinch of mustard seeds can be used as a replacement.
- Mustard Seeds: Black or brown mustard seeds are used for tempering. You can substitute with cumin seeds for a different flavor.
- Coriander Leaves: Fresh coriander leaves are used for garnish. You can use fresh mint leaves if you want a twist.
- Asafoetida (Hing): Asafoetida adds a unique aroma and is optional. You can use a tiny pinch of garlic powder if you do not have it.
- Oil/Ghee: Use oil or ghee for tempering the spices. Any neutral oil or unsalted butter can be used as a substitute.
- Cashews: Cashews add a crunchy texture and a nutty taste. You can replace them with roasted peanuts or almonds if preferred.
- Red Chili: Whole dried red chilies are added on top for flavor and visual appeal. You can substitute with smaller red chilies or skip them if you prefer less heat.
Tips for Making Perfect Curd Rice
To make soft and creamy South Indian curd rice, rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming sticky. Slightly overcooked rice works best as it blends smoothly with fresh yogurt. Even low-fat yogurt works fine, though full-fat yogurt gives a creamier taste.
Use well-set yogurt for a tangy flavor, and add a little milk if you prefer a creamier texture. Proper tempering for curd rice with mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chilies, and ginger releases maximum flavor, so do not skip this step.
Serving Suggestions
Thayir Sadam, or yogurt rice, is best served slightly chilled or at room temperature to enhance its cooling effect on the stomach. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a dried red chili for presentation. Pair it with pickles, papad, or a simple vegetable stir-fry for a wholesome meal. For variety, try adding grated carrots or pomegranate seeds to your curd rice. Avoid over-mixing the rice with yogurt to maintain a fluffy texture and authentic South Indian taste.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is a probiotic-rich dish, easy to digest, and provides a good balance of carbs and protein.
Yogurt is essential for authentic Thayir Sadam, but you can use a mixture of milk and a little lemon juice as a substitute in case yogurt is not available.
Yes, leftover rice works well for Curd Rice. Make sure it is slightly warm or at room temperature before mixing with yogurt.
Yes, finely grated carrots, cucumber, or pomegranate seeds can be added for flavor, color, and texture.
Recipe Card
Curd Rice (Thayir Sadam)
Equipment
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Frying pan
- 2 Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup Rice
- 1½ cup Water
- 1 cup Yogurt curd
- 1 tsp Oil
- ½ tsp Mustard seeds
- 2 Green chilies chopped
- 1 Red chili
- 1 tsp Ginger finely chopped
- 10 Curry leaves
- 1 tbsp Coriander leaves chopped
- 2 tsp Grated carrot optional
- Salt
- 2 tbsp Milk optional, for creaminess
- 1 tsp Lemon juice optional
- 1 tbsp Roasted cashews optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse rice thoroughly until water runs clear. In a saucepan, add rice and water, then cook until soft and slightly mushy. This forms the perfect base for traditional South Indian yogurt rice. Allow it to cool slightly to avoid curd from curdling.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk fresh yogurt (curd) until smooth. Add a little milk if you prefer creamier Thayir Sadam. Using probiotic-rich yogurt adds a healthy touch to this cooling Indian rice dish.
- Add the slightly cooled rice to the yogurt and mix gently. Ensure the rice grains are coated evenly without breaking them too much. This step is key for a creamy and smooth curd rice recipe.
- Season with salt. Optionally, mix in grated carrot or a few drops of lemon juice for a slightly tangy flavor. These small additions enhance the taste of South Indian yogurt rice.
- In a small frying pan, heat oil on medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add chopped green chilies, broken red chilies, finely chopped ginger, curry leaves, and roasted cashews if using. Fry for 30–40 seconds until aromatic. This traditional tempering for curd rice brings out authentic South Indian flavors.
- Pour the tempering over the yogurt rice mixture. Mix gently to distribute the flavors evenly. This final step ensures every bite has the right balance of spices and creaminess in this easy yogurt rice recipe.
- Top the curd rice with a whole red chili for presentation and aroma. Sprinkle chopped coriander leaves. The red chili adds a vibrant touch to this classic Thayir Sadam recipe.
- Serve immediately as a side dish or a light meal. It pairs perfectly with pickle, papad, or even a simple South Indian curry. This healthy South Indian curd rice is perfect for lunch, dinner, or a cooling summer dish.
Notes
- Use slightly cooled rice to avoid curd curdling.
- Adjust yogurt quantity in curd rice based on desired creaminess.
- You can add red chili on top of curd rice to add color and mild heat.
- Can be served with pickle or papad for extra flavor.
