Curd or dahi is one of the most comforting foods. It is not just a versatile food but also an easily available dairy product enjoyed in most Indian homes. Rich in probiotics, protein, and calcium, it not only aids digestion but also adds a refreshing, tangy flavor to all summer meals. From breakfast to dinner, it is used in many forms to satiate the taste buds. For breakfast, it pairs well with cereals; for lunch and dinner, it works as a mixer to make dishes like kadhi, and for snacking, it tops up chaat to add a cooling effect. Celebrating the goodness of this dairy product, Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of a curd production plant under the Amul Bengal Dairy Project. Scroll down to read the details.



According to reports, Shah virtually laid the foundation stone of the world's largest curd production plant coming up in Howrah from the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in eastern Kolkata's New Town area. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, senior ministers and officials attended the event.



What did Amit Shah say?




Addressing the gathering, Shah said, "The proposed Amul Bengal Dairy Project would be a milestone for the state's dairy sector and significantly improve the income of milk producers."



It is reported that the project, involving an investment of around Rs 700 crore, will process 30 lakh litres of milk every day and produce 10 lakh kg of curd and other cultured dairy products daily. It is expected to benefit more than 1.25 lakh dairy farmers in West Bengal, including over 30,000 women. The project is aimed at strengthening the cooperative dairy network in eastern India while creating a sustainable market for milk producers in the state.



Benefits of eating curd

Curd is prepared by the fermentation of milk by a bacterial culture called Lactobacillus delbrueckii. The fermentation process produces lactic acid, which gives curd its thick texture. It is considered one of the healthiest foods, helping fight disease-causing germs, keep your gut healthy, and boost the immune system. It is easy to digest and the good bacteria present in it improve gut health and treat an upset stomach. Curd is also rich in lactic acid and when used as an ingredient for a face pack, it acts as an exfoliator, clearing off all dead cells and blemishes to make your skin healthier. Protein, potassium and magnesium found in curd help lower high blood pressure and promote a healthy heart. Rich in calcium content, curd helps maintain bone density and also strengthens them. Curd is also rich in calcium, which triggers less production of cortisol hormone and helps in balancing the right weight.





6 traditional ways to enjoy curd






Dahi Vada: This is a popular Indian snack, where soft lentil dumplings (vadas) made with urad dal are soaked in water, then topped with fresh dahi, and finished with chutneys and spices.




Kadhi: It is also a popular curry enjoyed with steamed rice during summer. Made with besan, curd, turmeric, and a tempering of panch phoran, green chilli, and mango powder, it is a comforting Indian dish enjoyed with salad on the side.




Chaas: Also known as buttermilk, it is a traditional Indian drink made by mixing curd with water and seasoning it with cumin powder, pepper, salt, and mint. It is best enjoyed in summer as it keeps the gut cool, hydrates the body and aids digestion.




Shrikhand: It is a traditional Indian dessert made with hung curd, sweetened with sugar and flavored with aromatic spices like saffron, cardamom, and nutmeg. It is especially popular in Maharashtra and Gujarat.




Dahi Puri: It is a popular Indian street food, that consists of crispy puris filled with a mixture of boiled potatoes, sprouted moong, or chickpeas, topped with cool yogurt (dahi), sweet and tangy tamarind chutney, spicy green chutney, and garnished with sev, coriander, and pomegranate seeds.




Dahi Baigan: It is a popular side dish where eggplant marinated in semolina, besan, turmeric, and salt is pan-seared and then dunked in beaten curd along with ground spices. It goes well with rice and roti.