12 traditional curd dishes of India that one can't resist

Curd is one of the most versatile and easily available dairy products found in Indian kitchens. Rich in probiotics, protein, and calcium, it not only aids digestion but also adds a refreshing, tangy flavor to meals. From breakfast to dinner, it is used in many forms to satiate the taste buds. For breakfast, it pairs well with cereals, and when it comes to lunch and dinner, it works as a mixer to make dishes like kadhi, and then for snacking, it tops up on chaat to add a cooling effect. Take a look at these 12 traditional curd dishes of India that one can't resist.

It is a traditional Indian dessert, made from thickened yogurt (hung curd) sweetened with sugar and flavored with aromatic spices like saffron, cardamom, and nutmeg. It is especially popular in Maharashtra and Gujarat.

This is a popular Indian snack, where soft lentil dumplings (vadas) made with urad dal are soaked in water, then topped with fresh dahi, and finished with chutneys and spices. The combination of soft, spongy vadas, creamy yogurt, tangy tamarind, and spices makes it irresistible.

It is a popular Indian curry that is made with besan, curd, turmeric, and a tempering of panch phoran, green chilli, and mango powder. It is often paired with steamed rice and is popularly known as Kadhi Chawal.

This one is also known as buttermilk, and is a traditional Indian drink made by diluting yogurt with water and seasoning it with spices and herbs. It’s widely consumed in India, especially during hot summer months, as it is cooling, hydrating, and aids digestion.

It is a popular Indian street food, that consists of crispy puris filled with a mixture of boiled potatoes, sprouted moong, or chickpeas, topped with cool yogurt (dahi), sweet and tangy tamarind chutney, spicy green chutney, and garnished with sev, coriander, and pomegranate seeds.

Thayir Sadam, also known as curd rice, is a staple South Indian dish made with softly cooked rice mixed with fresh yogurt, roasted peanuts, and tempered with simple spices like mustard seeds, and curry leaves.

It is a popular side dish where eggplant marinated in semolina, besan, turmeric, and salt is pan-seared and then dunked in beaten curd along with ground spices. It goes well with rice and roti.

Pachadi is a South Indian condiment or raita-like dish, usually served as a side with rice or meals. It is made with fresh vegetables or fruits, ground spices, yogurt, and sometimes coconut.

This is a popular side dish of India made with beaten curd, spices, and veggies like cucumber, bottle gourd, tomato, and even okra. It also uses a tempering of oil, cumin seeds, and green chili.

These are shallow-fried delights made with hung curd seasoned with herbs and spices, coated with a slurry and then coated with breadcrumbs.

It is a popular sweet drink native to Punjab and is made with curd, sugar, malai, rose syrup, and nuts, which is further topped with rose petals.