Daddojanam | Spicy Curd Rice

Daddojanam is a cherished Naivedyam, traditionally offered during the auspicious Durga Navaratri (Dasara) celebrations. This flavorful and spicy curd rice dish holds a special place in both household meals and temple offerings, where it is revered as prasadam. The harmonious blend of spices and fresh ingredients makes Daddojanam not only delicious but also nourishing, perfect for festive occasions and daily consumption alike.

To achieve the perfect prasadam taste, it is important to avoid adding ingredients like ginger, cucumber, and carrot. The dish should be served at room temperature to enhance its flavors. Additionally, the correct amount of salt is crucial. Since black pepper is milder compared to red or green chilies, the right quantity of salt will elevate the taste of Daddojanam effectively.

During the summer season, Daddojanam is particularly enjoyable as curd acts as a natural coolant, making the dish refreshing and light.

Preparation Time : 30 min

Serves : 2-3

Quick Navigation:

• Ingredients
• Procedure
• Step 1: Cooking the Rice
• Step 2: Preparing the Curd Mixture
• Step 3: Tempering the Spices
• Step 4: Adding Ginger and Green Chilies
• Step 5: Combining Milk with Curd Rice
• Step 6: Final Mixing and Garnishing

Ingredients

Rice : 75 grams (3/4th Cup (100ml Cup))

Chikkati Perugu (Fresh Curd made from Whole Milk) : 500ml

Palu (Milk) : 125ml

Allam (Ginger) : 1/4" Piece

Pachimirapa (Green Chilies) : 5

Karivepaku (Curry Leaves) : A Few

Jeelakarra (Cumin Seeds) : 1/2 tsp

Senagapappu (Bengal Gram) : 2 tsp

Minapappu (Urad Dal) : 2 tsp

Aavalu (Mustard Seeds) : 1 tsp

Endumirapa (Red Chilly) : 2

Miriyalu (Black Pepper) : A Little

Salt : To Taste

Oil : 2 tsp

Procedure

Step 1: Cooking the Rice

Measure 75 grams of rice and place it in a bowl. Wash the rice thoroughly to remove any impurities. For every cup of rice, add 1 3/4th cups of water to ensure it cooks perfectly. Transfer the washed rice and the measured water into a pressure cooker and cook until the rice is soft and fluffy.

Step 2: Preparing the Curd Mixture

Allow the cooked rice to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, add the fresh curd to the rice. Season the mixture with the appropriate amount of salt to enhance the flavors. Mix thoroughly to ensure the curd is evenly distributed throughout the rice.

Step 3: Tempering the Spices

Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a pan over medium flame. Add 2 teaspoons of Bengal gram (senagapappu) and let it fry for about a minute until golden brown. Next, add 2 red chilies and 2 teaspoons of urad dal (minapappu). Once the urad dal begins to crackle, add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds and a few curry leaves. Stir continuously to prevent burning.

Step 4: Adding Ginger and Green Chilies

Introduce the ginger pieces and green chilies to the tempered spices. Allow them to fry for an additional minute to release their flavors. Once done, remove the pan from the heat.

Step 5: Combining Milk with Curd Rice

Add 125ml of lukewarm boiled milk to the prepared curd rice mixture. This step enhances the creaminess of the dish and balances the spices, giving Daddojanam its signature rich texture.

Step 6: Final Mixing and Garnishing

Gently mix the tempered spices into the curd rice, ensuring an even distribution of flavors. Additionally, add fried black pepper that has been tempered in 1/2 teaspoon of ghee for an extra layer of taste and aroma.

Daddojanam is now ready to be served. Enjoy this delightful and spicy curd rice as a wholesome meal or as a part of your festive spread. :)

Note: If you prefer a milder flavor without chilies and ginger pieces, you can blend them with a small amount of cumin seeds to create a smooth paste. Add this paste to the curd rice for a subtle yet flavorful taste.

For a different flavor profile, you can add turmeric powder and chopped onions along with 5-6 red chilies. However, avoid adding black pepper and green chilies in this variation to maintain the desired taste balance.

Thank you for trying out this Daddojanam recipe! We hope it brings a taste of tradition and warmth to your kitchen. Enjoy your meal!