How To Make Flavorful Dahi Rice: A Classic South Indian Comfort Dish

Dahi Rice is a tangy and creamy dish made by mixing rice with curd and a flavorful tempering of spices like mustard seeds and curry leaves. Optional add-ins like carrots or pomegranate seeds enhance taste and nutrition. Served chilled or with accompaniments like pickles, it’s a light and refreshing meal. Perfect for hot days or when you need a quick, comforting dish.

Dahi Rice, a South Indian comfort food, combines cooked rice with creamy curd, milk, and tempered spices like mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies. Add grated carrots, cucumber, or pomegranate seeds for extra nutrition and crunch. The dish is flavorful, tangy, and light, perfect for summer or any time you want a simple meal. Serve chilled or at room temperature with pickles, papads, or a vegetable stir-fry. Its ease of preparation makes it a favorite for quick meals.

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

• Cooked rice: 2 cups (preferably leftover rice or freshly cooked and cooled)
• Curd (yogurt): 1 cup (adjust as per preference)
• Milk: 1/4 cup (optional, to balance the sourness)
• Salt: To taste

For Tempering:

• Oil or ghee: 2 tbsp
• Mustard seeds: 1 tsp
• Curry leaves: 10-12
• Green chilies: 2-3, finely chopped
• Ginger: 1 tsp, finely grated
• Asafoetida (hing): A pinch
• Dry red chilies: 2, broken
• Urad dal (split black gram): 1 tsp
• Chana dal (Bengal gram): 1 tsp

Optional Add-Ins:

• Grated carrot: 1/4 cup
• Chopped cucumber: 1/4 cup
• Pomegranate seeds: 2 tbsp
• Fresh coriander leaves: 2 tbsp, finely chopped

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

• If using fresh rice, cook 1 cup of raw rice with 2 cups of water. Once cooked, spread it out on a plate or tray to cool. This prevents it from becoming mushy when mixed with curd.
• Use leftover rice for convenience, but ensure it’s not too dry. Sprinkle a little water and microwave for 30 seconds to soften if needed.

Step 2: Mix Curd and Milk

• Whisk the curd until smooth and creamy. Add a little milk to reduce sourness if desired.
• Add salt to the curd and mix well.

Step 3: Combine Rice and Curd

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rice with the curd mixture.
• Mix gently to coat the rice evenly without mashing it.

Step 4: Prepare the Tempering

• Heat oil or ghee in a small pan over medium heat.
• Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
• Add urad dal and chana dal, sautéing until golden.
• Toss in curry leaves, dry red chilies, green chilies, ginger, and a pinch of asafoetida. Stir for 30 seconds until aromatic.

Step 5: Add the Tempering to the Rice

• Pour the hot tempering over the curd-rice mixture.
• Mix gently to incorporate the flavors evenly.

Step 6: Add Optional Ingredients

• If desired, fold in grated carrot, chopped cucumber, or pomegranate seeds for added texture and taste.
• Sprinkle fresh coriander leaves for garnish.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled or at room temperature.
• Pair with pickles, papads, or a dry vegetable stir-fry for a complete meal.
• It’s perfect for summer or as a light meal after a heavy feast.

Enjoy the tangy, creamy, and flavorful Dahi Rice, a dish that offers both comfort and nutrition in every bite.