These are the best ways to make Curd winter-friendly

Curd is a staple in most Indian households, so much so that it is impossible to imagine a hearty meal without a bowl full of curd. However, it is a common notion that curd must be avoided during the winter season as it can trigger seasonal ailments like cold, cough and respiratory discomfort. But when it comes to strengthening immunity and metabolism, a daily dose of curd can naturally boost overall health, as curd is packed with the goodness of probiotics, prebiotics, calcium, and healthy milk protein, to name a few. But is it actually safe to consume curd in winters? Let’s find out…

It is a common belief that during the winter season, consuming curd can increase mucus formation and can trigger fatigue, slowing down the digestive process. It is generally safe to consume curd in winter, but moderation is essential. In fact, curd is a good source of probiotics, calcium, and other nutrients beneficial to the body. However, during the colder months, it is important to consume it in a balanced manner. In some people, eating cold or excessively chilled curd might cause digestive discomfort or aggravate conditions like a sore throat or cough. To avoid such issues, it's better to consume curd at room temperature and pair it with warm spices, herbs or foods. Here are some simple foods

that can boost the efficacy of curd during winters.

Spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom are known for their warm potency and adding these spices to curd can help in balancing the cold potency by making it more suitable for the colder weather. Apart from that, adding ginger, jaggery, honey or spices to curd can also help in enhancing the taste as well as health quotient of curd that further helps in improving digestive health, immunity and metabolic health.

Making curd-based soups with a nice oil-based tempering and warm spices and herbs is also a nice way to boost the health quotient as well as change the potency of curd. In fact, by combining curd with vegetables and legumes, you can create a healthy, protein-rich dish that is perfect for cold days. For example, a spinach and curd soup or methi leaves curd soup adds a boost of taste and warmth while maintaining the digestive benefits of curd. The addition of mild spices like cumin, red chili powder and turmeric not only enhances the flavor but also makes the soup more digestible.

In winter, the traditional chilled salads might not appeal to everyone. A simple way to include curd in the winter diet can be by preparing creamy curd salad made with some delicious veggies, lean protein, spices and herbs.A creative way to enjoy curd in winter is by incorporating it into salads that feature warm ingredients. For example, mixing curd with roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets can add both warmth and flavor. You can also use a warm dressing, such as a spiced oil infusion (e.g., mustard oil with cumin or curry leaves), to pour over the salad before serving, making the curd-based dish more fitting for the winter season.

To make curd a more winter-friendly dessert or snack, mix it with jaggery and nuts. Jaggery is an excellent natural sweetener, especially in winter, as it generates heat in the body and helps improve immunity. Combining curd with jaggery, along with nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pistachios, creates a wholesome, satisfying treat that provides both warmth and nutrition. This combination not only makes curd delicious, but at the same time

It helps in boosting energy levels and keeps you feeling fuller for longer.

This may sound bizarre, but heating curd in water is a traditional way of consuming curd in winter. In fact, unlike summers when curd is consumed cold, in winters it is best to consume it at room temperature or slightly warm before eating. Consuming curd in this way makes it easier to digest and also keeps other seasonal issues at bay. One way to do this is by mixing curd with warm water or milk and consuming it in the form of a light, warm drink. This is similar to drinking lassi in a warmer form, which not only makes it more palatable in winter but also provides a soothing effect on the throat and stomach.

A popular winter dish in many Indian homes is curd rice with a twist of warming spices. By preparing curd rice with ingredients like roasted mustard seeds, curry leaves, ginger, and black pepper, you can create a comforting, slightly spicy dish that warms the body. Adding roasted nuts like cashews or peanuts further enhances the flavor and texture, while the curd remains a cool, digestive element that complements the heat from the spices. This dish is not only delicious but also helps in maintaining gut health during the colder months.