Curd or dahi is a huge part of Indian cuisine – be it to make a cooling raita, a creamy lassi, chaas or to have it as an accompaniment with your meals. Even though it’s an everyday necessity, setting the perfect bowl of curd comes with its own struggles. If you’re looking for ways to set thick curd, you’ve come to the right place!
In this article, we discuss ways to set a block of thick curd consistently.
Table of Contents
Tips And Tricks To Set Curd
Here we have listed 6 different hacks to set curd with ease :
1. Using a clay pot
In earlier times, a lot of people used earthen pots to set curd. The matki is one of the best vessel to set curd because it is porous and absorbs a lot of water which results in thicker and creamier curd. Make sure you do not wash the pot with any soap or detergent as it will absorb the soap and leave an unpleasant taste in whatever you cook\set in the pot, and yield an aftereffect like curd becomes sticky.
2. Using a whole green chilli
Yes, adding a whole green chilli in the curd works! Green chilis contain bacteria that help in the fermentation of milk. All you have to do is that after adding the starter culture, you can drop in a whole green chili with the stick. This method fastens the process of setting the curd. And the curd setting time reduces.
3. Using a casserole
If you’re someone who is living in colder temperatures, and looking for an easy method to set curd, then this method is for you. You can set the curd using a casserole. This insulated container retains the heat and helps in setting the curd.
Also Read- how to set curd the right way
4. The washing and boiling method
If you’re someone who lives in a cold place, this method is for you. This method provides an apt temperature for the bacteria to grow. Rinse the utensil you use for setting curd with boiling hot water as it will help in retaining the heat. Now, immediately pour in the warm milk along with the starter culture.
5. Using full cream milk
One of the easiest ways to ensure thick curd is by using full cream milk instead of low fat milk. Toned and double-toned milk has lower fat content and can make your dahi watery or you can face difficulty in setting it. That’s why full cream milk is commonly used to set smooth, thick and creamy curd.
6. Using corn cobs
Yes, you can set curd using some corn cobs too! After adding the starter culture, just sprinkle some corn cobs into the mixture. When you check it the next morning, you will get a thick and well-set curd.
Why should you consume curd? Read about the benefits of curd here.
However, you must check if corn cobs can be consumed during Navratri.
The Difference Between Curd And Yogurt
Curd and yogurt are not the same. Wait, what?
Our Founder, Tanu Ganguly, explains the difference.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few interesting FAQs about how to prepare thick curd.
1. How do you properly set curd?
To properly set the curd, after adding starting culture, the pot (ideally a clay pot) should be kept in a warm and dark place.
2. Which type of vessel is best to set curd?
Traditionally-used clay pots are the best vessel to set a thick and creamy curd.
3. How can I make thick curd at home in winter?
To make thick curd at home follow these tricks:
- Use a clay pot.
- Use full cream or whole milk
- Add starting culture when the milk is warm
- Place the curd pot to set in a dark and warm place
4. Why is home made curd sticky?
There are 2 possible times when the curd turns sticky. One is when the right bacteria are not added and another is when the curd is kept to set at a low temperature.
Conclusion
These were some of the methods to easily set curd at home! From quick to unique ones, these different hacks will help you to get creamy and thick curd.
Got more ideas for setting curd? Share with us!
