Curd is a versatile dairy product that pairs wonderfully with various sabzis, dals, and curries, enhancing the meal’s wholesomeness and nutrition. Packed with probiotics, curd is excellent for gut health, and during the scorching summer months, it helps keep the body cool and aids digestion. However, when curd is left at room temperature for too long, it can turn sour, developing a strong taste and aroma that might make it unappealing to consume as is. Don’t throw it away just yet! Here are six creative and effective ways to make the most of sour curd. (All image credits: iStock)

1. Make Cheelas
   Start your day on a healthy note with a delicious cheela made from sour curd. Cheela, a savory pancake, can be prepared using various flours like besan, jowar, sooji, ragi, rajgira, or even oats. Instead of water, use sour curd to make the batter. This not only enhances the taste but also results in softer, richer, and tastier cheelas.
2. Cooling Chaach
   On a hot summer day, a refreshing glass of chaach (buttermilk) is unbeatable. Sour curd is perfect for making chaach, giving it a delightful tang. Add roasted cumin powder, mint leaves, rock salt, and coriander leaves to elevate the flavor and boost its digestive benefits. This cooling drink is both tasty and beneficial for your gut.
3. Softer Dhokla
   Dhokla is a beloved snack known for its soft, spongy texture and slightly tangy flavor. Using sour curd in the dhokla batter enhances these qualities. For the best results, add a pinch of eno to help the batter rise. Finish with a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and sweetened water for the perfect dhokla.
4. Tangy Kadhi
   Kadhi, a popular North Indian dish, combines beautifully with rice for a comforting meal. Kadhi variants include Kadhi Pakora, Palak Kadhi, and Aloo Kadhi. Sour curd is essential for achieving the tangy flavor that defines this dish. Leave the curd at room temperature for a few hours before using it in your kadhi preparation.
5. Classic Curd Rice
   A staple comfort food from South India, curd rice is especially refreshing in the summer. Sour curd enhances the flavors of this dish. Prepare a tempering with mustard seeds, curry leaves, dry red chili, chana dal, urad dal, ginger, and cashews to add a signature touch. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and coriander leaves for a delightful final touch.
6. Nourishing Face Packs
   Sour curd isn’t just for eating; it’s great for your skin too! Its moisturizing properties can transform dry skin, making it smooth and supple. Mix two spoons of sour curd into your regular face pack—whether it’s besan, sandalwood, turmeric, or coffee—and apply it to your face. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and rinse off with water. You’ll notice a remarkable improvement in your skin’s texture, leaving it softer and more radiant.

So next time your curd goes sour, don’t discard it. Instead, try these fantastic ways to utilize it and enjoy its benefits in new and delicious forms.