4 Best Ways to Use Curd in Summer Meals

Summer is here, and with it comes the inevitable heat. While reaching for sugary drinks and heavy meals might seem tempting, they can actually leave you feeling sluggish and more uncomfortable. Enter curd, your cool and creamy culinary companion for the season.

Curd, also known as yogurt or dahi, is a probiotic powerhouse packed with nutrients, and its cooling properties make it the perfect ingredient to incorporate into your summer meals. Not only is it incredibly versatile, but it’s also easy to find and budget-friendly. 

So, ditch the processed snacks and read on for 4 delicious ways to use curd in your summer cooking and don’t forget to buy the ingredient first from our online grocery delivery app, Milkbasket where you can find 10,000+ grocery items, including curd.

1. Kachumber Raita

A bowl of chilled kachumber raita can elevate even the simplest meal on a hot day. It’s crunchy, tangy, and packed with the goodness of curd and raw veggies.

How to make it: Whisk curd until smooth and add finely chopped cucumber, onion, tomato, and coriander. Sprinkle roasted cumin powder, black salt, and a hint of red chilli powder. You can also add grated carrots or beetroot for variety.

Why it works: Raita cools the body, balances spicy curries, and adds a refreshing crunch, making it a summer must-have.

2. Creamy Smoothies

Skip the sugary juices and opt for a curd-based smoothie for a quick, healthy, and cooling breakfast or snack. Curd adds a creamy texture and a boost of protein and probiotics to your smoothie, keeping you feeling full and energized for longer.

How to make it: Blend curd with your favorite fruits like mangoes, berries, bananas, or peaches. Add a handful of spinach or kale for added nutrients. For sweetness, use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect smoothie.

Why it works: Smoothies are a great way to sneak in extra fruits and vegetables, and the curd provides a satisfying creaminess and gut-friendly bacteria.

Also Read: Yogurt Granola Bowl Recipe: A Perfect Healthy Snack That Doubles As A Dessert

3. Curd-Based Chutneys

Curd isn’t just for main dishes—it works beautifully in chutneys too. These cooling condiments can be paired with dosas, parathas, rice, or even used as dips for snacks.

How to make it: Blend fresh curd with grated coconut, green chillies, ginger, and a few curry leaves. Add a tempering of mustard seeds and urad dal for an authentic South Indian touch. You can also make a refreshing pudina-dahi chutney by blending curd with mint, coriander, green chilli, and a squeeze of lemon.

Why it works: These chutneys are light, flavour-packed, and instantly cool down spicy or heavy dishes—perfect for hot days when you still want your food to taste exciting.

4. Homemade Lassis

Beat the heat with homemade curd-based popsicles or lassis. These are a much healthier alternative to store-bought ice cream and provide a cooling treat without the added sugar and artificial ingredients.

How to make it: For popsicles, blend curd with fruits and a touch of honey or maple syrup. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for at least 4 hours. For lassis, blend curd with water, sugar, and spices like cardamom or ginger. You can also add fruit for a flavored lassi.

Why it works: Homemade frozen treats are a fun and healthy way to cool down during the summer months, and they allow you to control the ingredients for a more nutritious option.

So, there you have it: 4 delicious and easy ways to incorporate curd into your summer meals. From cooling raitas to refreshing smoothies and frozen treats, curd is a versatile ingredient that can help you beat the heat and stay healthy all summer long. 

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and combinations to create your own curd-based culinary masterpieces! And all of these ingredients are available on our online grocery app, Milkbasket. 

All you need to do is order the ingredients by adding them to the cart by midnight and then sleep. Yes, you need to sleep. By 7 AM the next morning, your items will be delivered to you, all before you wake up.