Curd, also known as yogurt, is a popular ingredient found in many recipes worldwide. It is a versatile ingredient that adds flavor and richness to soups, salads, and many other dishes.
However, some people might not prefer the tart taste or may have dietary restrictions that make it necessary to look for alternatives to curd.
In this post, we will share 12 ideal substitutes for Curd that you can use in your cooking or baking, along with their proper measurements.
In short, " What Can I use instead of curd ?" Greek yogurt, Buttermilk, Sour cream, Coconut Cream, Silken Tofu, Cream Cheese, Cottage Cheese, Lemon Juice, Vinegar, Kefir, Cream of Tartar.
What is curd, and what does curd taste like?
Curd is a dairy product made by adding acid to milk and allowing it to thicken. Curd has a pleasant acidic taste with some sweet notes, depending on the type of milk used.
It can be plain or mixed with other ingredients like fruits, spices, and nuts to add flavor. The texture of curd varies from creamy to more solid depending on how much acid was added during the production process.
Additionally, it is a great source of calcium and vitamin D for healthy bones and teeth.
Overall, curd provides a unique flavor profile that can add complexity to any dish. Its creamy texture and slightly acidic taste make it a great choice for those looking to expand their culinary repertoire.
Whether you want something sweet or savory, adding curd might be the perfect finishing touch to your next meal!
Uses of curd
Curd, also known as yogurt or dahi, is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different types of recipes.
In extra to being a tasty and nutritious snack on its own, curd can also be used as a cooking ingredient to add flavor, texture, and moisture to a wide range of dishes.
One common way to use curd in cooking is as a marinade for meats. The acidic nature of curd helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
Curd can also be used as a base for sauces, dips, and dressings. Its creamy texture and tangy taste make it an ideal ingredient for these types of recipes.
Curd can be eaten plain or used in recipes that require a thickening agent. The most popular way to enjoy curd is with some sugar or honey mixed in, and sometimes it is served with a side of fresh fruit.
In Indian cuisine, the curd is often used to add richness and complexity to curries, stews, and soups. Also, it can be used as a garnish for spicy or flavorful dishes, providing a cooling contrast to the spiciness.
But curd isn’t just limited to savory dishes. It can also be used in sweet recipes, such as smoothies, desserts, and baked goods.
Curd can be used in place of other dairy ingredients like sour cream or buttermilk to add moisture and tanginess to cakes, muffins, and other baked goods.
Overall, the curd is a versatile and useful ingredient that can add flavor, texture, and nutrition to a wide range of dishes.
Whether you’re cooking a savory meat dish, whipping up a creamy dip, or baking a sweet treat, the curd is worth keeping on hand in your kitchen.
Where to buy curd?
If you’re searching for where to buy curd, there are a few different places you can go. Many specialty food stores carry it, as do some international grocery stores.
You can also order online from many retailers that provide a variety of diverse flavors and types of curd.
12 substitutes for curd with the perfect ratio
1. Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt is a great alternative to curd as it has a thicker consistency and a creamier texture. It is also rich in protein and lower in sugar than most curd varieties.
Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for curd in most recipes, especially in dips and smoothies.
Ratio or measurement: To substitute curd with Greek yogurt, use the exact same measurement as the recipe requires for curd.
2. Buttermilk
Buttermilk is an excellent substitute not only for curd but also for milk in various recipes.
Its acidic properties make it an outstanding choice for baking cakes and biscuits as it reacts with baking soda to produce carbon dioxide, resulting in a fluffy texture.
Ratio or measurement: To substitute one cup of curd, you can mix 1/3 cup of buttermilk with 2/3 cup of regular milk.
3. Sour cream
Sour cream is similar to curd in terms of consistency and has a tangy taste. It is perfect for dips, dressings, and baked goods.
However, it’s higher in fat and calories than curd, so keep that in mind if you are watching your diet.
Ratio or measurement: To substitute one cup of curd, you can use one cup of sour cream.
4. Coconut Cream
Coconut cream is a dairy-free substitute for curd, and it adds a unique flavor to your recipes.
Ratio or measurement: To substitute one cup of curd, you can use one cup of coconut cream.
5. Silken Tofu
Silken tofu is a creamy texture and can be used as a dairy-free alternative to curd. It’s low in fat and high in protein, making it an excellent ingredient for vegan recipes.
Silken Tofu has a creamy and smooth texture and is perfect for making dips, dressings, and smoothies.
Ratio or measurement: To substitute curd with silken tofu, use 1 cup of tofu for 1 cup of curd.
6. Cream Cheese
Cream cheese can be used as an option to curd in dips, spreads, and cheesecake recipes. It provides a creamy texture and contains a tangy flavor to the recipe.
Ratio or measurement: To substitute curd with cream cheese, use 1 cup of cheese for 1 cup of curd.
7. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a healthy dairy option and works best in savory recipes.
Cottage cheese can be used as an option to curd in salads, dips, and sauces. It contains a creamy texture and a tangy flavor similar to curd.
However, it is higher in sodium and calories than curd, so use it in moderation.
Ratio or measurement: To substitute one cup of curd, you can use one cup of cottage cheese.
8. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is an excellent substitute for curd in salad dressings, marinades, and baking recipes. It adds a tangy flavor and a subtle sourness to the dish.
Ratio or measurement: To substitute one cup of curd, you can use 1 tablespoon of lemon juice mixed with one cup of milk.
9. Vinegar
Vinegar is another tangy substitute for curd in salad dressings and marinades. It gives a sour flavor and can be used in moderation to achieve the desired taste.
Ratio or measurement: To substitute one cup of curd, you can use 1 tablespoon of white vinegar mixed with one cup of milk.
10. Kefir
Kefir is a fermented milk derivative that has a tangy taste and is perfect for smoothies, dips, and dressings.
Ratio or measurement: To substitute one cup of curd, you can use one cup of kefir.
11. Cream of Tartar
Cream of tartar can be used as a substitute to curd in baking recipes. It reacts with baking soda to make carbon dioxide, resulting in a lighter texture.
Ratio or measurement: To substitute curd with cream of tartar, mix 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar with 1 tablespoon of milk for 1 cup of curd.
Substitute for curd in the cake
Curd is a popular ingredient in many cake recipes due to its tangy flavor and ability to tenderize the batter.
However, curd can sometimes be difficult to find or may not be preferred by some individuals. Luckily, there are several alternatives that can be used in place of curd to achieve similar results.
One of the most common replacements for curd in cake is buttermilk. Buttermilk is made by adding a small amount of acid (such as vinegar or lemon juice) to whole milk, which creates a tangy flavor and thick consistency similar to curd.
Additionally, buttermilk contains lactic acid, which helps tenderize the cake and create a moist texture.
Another option for substituting curd is Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt has a thick, creamy consistency that can add richness and tang to the cake batter.
Also, Greek yogurt is high in protein and can help create a dense, satisfying cake.
Sour cream is yet another substitute that can be used in place of curd. Sour cream has a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture that can help create a moist, fluffy cake.
However, it is essential to note that sour cream may add a slightly different flavor profile to the cake than curd or other substitutes.
Overall, there are several substitutes for curd that can be used in cake recipes, including buttermilk, Greek yogurt, and sour cream.
It is vital to experiment and find the substitute that works best for each individual’s taste preferences and dietary needs.
Substitute for curd cheese
Curd cheese is a type of soft, fresh cheese made from milk. However, if you are looking for a preference for curd cheese, there are many options available.
One great option is cottage cheese, which is also a soft, fresh cheese made from milk. Another option is ricotta cheese, which has a similar texture to curd cheese and is also made from milk.
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, there are also many options. One option is tofu, which can be crumbled and used in a similar way as curd cheese.
Another option is cashew cheese, which can be made from soaked and blended cashews and has a similar texture to soft cheese.
It is important to note that the flavor and texture of these substitutes may differ slightly from curd cheese, but they can still be used in many similar dishes.
Additionally, these substitutes can be a great option for those with dietary restrictions or allergies.
Substitute for curd in dosa
The most common substitute for curd in dosa is yogurt (also known as curd or plain yogurt).
To make the batter, mix together 1 cup of urad dal, 4 tablespoons of cooked rice, 2 cups of thick yogurt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Add adequate water to make a thin batter.
Leave the mixture to stand for a min of 6 hours before using it to make the dosas. Serve with chutney or sambar for extra flavor. Enjoy!
Alternatively, can also use a mixture of buttermilk and besan (gram flour) instead of curd when making dosas.
Mix together 1 cup of besan, 3/4 cup of buttermilk and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Add adequate water to make a thin batter. Leave the mixture to stand for a min of 6 hours before using it to make dosas.
Serve with chutney or sambar for extra flavor. Enjoy!
Lastly, you can also use sour cream instead of curd when making dosas. Mix together 1 cup of urad dal, 4 tablespoons of cooked rice, 2 cups of sour cream and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Add adequate water to make a thin batter.
Leave the mixture to stand for a min of 6 hours before using it to make the dosas. Serve with chutney or sambar for extra flavor. Enjoy!
These three substitutes are easy to prepare and make delicious dosas. Try out any of the above recipes, and let us know how it turns out! Happy cooking!
Note: If you want a crispier dosa, then add a tablespoon of oil to the batter while preparing. This will give you restaurant-style crispy dosas on your plate. Enjoy!
Substitute for curd in rava idli
If you don’t have curd or yogurt to make rava idli, then you can substitute it with a mixture of 1/4 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup plain yogurt, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
This will give the same texture and taste as using curd for making the rava idli.
You can also use buttermilk instead of combining sour cream and yogurt if you prefer. The amount of liquid used should be equal to what is required in the recipe for curd – usually about 1 cup of liquid per two cups of semolina.
Enjoy your delicious rava idlis!
You can also add a bit of baking soda to the batter for a fluffier result if needed. Adding an extra teaspoon or two of yogurt may help as well.
Be careful not to overmix the batter and let it sit for 10 minutes after mixing before steaming. This will give the semolina time to absorb some moisture and make the idlis softer. Enjoy!
Substitute for curd for vegan
As more people turn to veganism or try to reduce their animal product consumption, finding suitable substitutes for commonly used ingredients like curd can seem challenging.
Fortunately, there are several plant-based alternatives that can mimic the creaminess and tangy taste of curd.
One of the most famous vegan options for curd is plain non-dairy yogurt, such as soy or coconut yogurt.
These options are widely available in supermarkets and can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes, from dips and dressings to smoothies and cakes.
Non-dairy yogurt is also a great source of probiotics, which can help improve gut health.
Another option is silken tofu, which can be blended until smooth and mixed with lemon juice or vinegar to create a tangy flavor.
This tofu-based curd substitute is lower in fat and calories than traditional curd and is a good source of protein and several essential vitamins and minerals.
For those who prefer homemade alternatives, cashew curd is a creamy and versatile option that can be used in place of dairy-based curd in many recipes.
To make cashew curd, soak raw cashews for several hours or overnight, then blend them with water, lemon juice, and salt until smooth. The mixture can be strained if a smoother texture is desired.
Overall, there are many delicious and nutritious vegan substitutes for curd that can be easily incorporated into a plant-based diet.
Whether you opt for store-bought non-dairy yogurt or make your own cashew curd, these alternatives are sure to satisfy your craving for creamy and tangy flavors.
Substitute for curd in naan
One popular substitute for curd in naan is yogurt. To make the naan, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
Add in enough yogurt (1/4 cup or more) to form a dough that’s not too sticky.
Knead the dough rest for about 10 minutes and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes before rolling it out into 8-inch rounds. Bake the naan on an ungreased skillet over medium heat until cooked through. Enjoy!
Another substitute you can use instead of curd is buttermilk. Mix together two cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
Add in enough buttermilk (1/4 cup or more) to form a dough that’s not too sticky. Knead the dough rest for about 10 minutes and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes before rolling it out into 8-inch rounds.
Bake the naan on an ungreased skillet over medium heat until cooked through. Enjoy!
A third substitute is a sour cream. To make the naan, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
Add in enough sour cream (1/4 cup or more) to form a dough that’s not too sticky. Knead the dough rest for about 10 minutes and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes before rolling it out into 8-inch rounds.
Bake the naan on an ungreased skillet over medium heat until cooked through. Enjoy!
For a vegan substitute, you can use coconut yogurt instead of curd in naan. To make the naan, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
Add in enough coconut yogurt (1/4 cup or more) to form a dough that’s not too sticky.
Knead the dough rest for about 10 minutes and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes before rolling it out into 8-inch rounds. Bake the naan on an ungreased skillet over medium heat until cooked through. Enjoy!
Conclusion on substitute for curd
These 12 ideal substitutes for curd will come in handy when you run out of curd or want to try something new.
Keep in mind that each substitute has a different taste and texture, so choose the one that best suits your recipe.
Also, don’t forget to adjust the quantity according to the recipe to achieve the desired taste and consistency. Happy cooking!
FAQs on substitute for curd
Q1. What is similar to curd?
Yogurt is a similar product to curd. It’s made from fermented milk and has a thick, creamy texture and a slightly sour taste. Curds are similarly made with fermented milk but can also be made with other dairy products like cream or butter.
Both yogurt and curd are high in calcium and protein, making them both nutritious snacks for people of all ages.
Q2. Is curd the same as sour cream?
Curd and sour cream are both dairy products that are similar in appearance and taste, but they are not the same. Curd is made by coagulating milk proteins using an acidic substance like lemon juice or vinegar.
It has a tangy flavor and a thick, creamy consistency. Sour cream is prepared by fermenting cream with bacteria, which gives it a tangy flavor as well. It has a thinner consistency than curd and is commonly used as a topping or dip.
Although curd and sour cream are similar in many ways, they differ in terms of nutrition. Curd is an adequate source of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. It also has probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can help improve gut health.
Sour cream, on the other hand, is higher in fat and calories than curd, and it does not contain as many nutrients or probiotics.
In terms of culinary uses, the curd is commonly used in Indian cuisine for dishes like raita and paneer. It can also be used as a substitute for buttermilk in baking.
Sour cream is often used in Mexican cuisine for dishes like tacos and enchiladas, and it can also be used as a topping for baked potatoes or as a base for dips and sauces. In conclusion, while curd and sour cream share some similarities, they are distinct dairy products with different nutritional profiles and culinary uses. It is necessary to understand these differences when cooking and choosing ingredients for a healthy and balanced diet.