Three Cheers for Curds!

Author: Carmina Ahmed

A dietary staple in lots of elements of the entire world, Curds or Yogurt is definitely an amusing and accidental discovery for mankind. Curd has existed with us for ages and it is used profusely in cooking as well as for its medicinal properties.

Components: The basic and the most natural way of curd is made from milk, which is curdled using culture (Jaman), as well as other acidic substances for example lemon and vinegar. Soybean curd that is made by curdling the soy milk is yet another healthy option.

Sugar and Lactose contained in the milk get converted into lactic acid during the whole process of curdling giving rise to your thick and solid form that's called as curd or Yogurt.

Tips setting perfect curd:

Quality of curd largely depends on the present culture utilized to curdle the milk. Use fresh culture (Jaman) to put the curd. Boil required volume of milk and cool it to room temperature. Add simply a teaspoon of existing curd whilst aside in a warmer place to set the curds. Curd set using Buffalo milk is thicker compared to curd that's set with Cow's milk. Use a teaspoon of Soy powder for a thick and creamy curds. It takes 5-6 hours in hot weather and 14-15 hours in winter to get a perfectly set curd. To increase the whole process of curdling in winter, position the milk using the culture in a microwave without switching it on. Hot case helps to create the curd faster during winter.

Health Benefits of Curds:

The most significant and the healthy live bacteria contained in the curd can make it very special plus a nutritious food selection for any age. Curd is full of calcium, protein, riboflavin and vitamins. It is lower in fat and high in potassium, provided the milk employed to increase the risk for curd is skimmed and reduced fat. Curd is employed to prevent diarrhea. Curd is suppose to increase longevity and immunity. It lowers bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol inside blood. Helps against arthritis and stomach ulcers and lots of other stomach ailments. Improves digestion. Calcium contained in the curd helps strengthen the bones. Curd is very helpful during the treating certain ailments, since it replenishes the beneficial bacteria lost during heavy medication. Last although not the very least this is a boon for lactose intolerant who're allergic to milk and dairy food. As the protein in curd is definitely digestible than that in milk.

Prudent way to Include Curds in Diet;

Use skimmed milk or reduced fat milk to put the curd. Buttermilk is much healthier option than curds which can be 1:3 aspects of curds to water. Lassi - sweetened and thick buttermilk is a refreshing summer drink. Srikhand and Indian delicacy is often a great dessert. Add nuts, fruits and granolas to some bowl of curd for any healthy breakfast. Make oatmeal porridge with curds and roasted cumin powder. Sprinkle herbs including coriander leaves, mint and dill for a tasty accompaniment to the meal. Dips constructed with hung curd is a useful one with sliced fruits and steamed veggies. Raita can be a great recipe which matches well with any meals for the day. Mix sliced cucumber, pineapple and apples for any refreshing raitas. Add a teaspoon of sugar while setting the curds for any quick and refreshing dessert.

It is three cheers for curds, with the health benefits accrued for it as well as for being one of the most versatile cooking ingredients open to us.