Padma Lakshmi’S Yogurt Rice Recipe

Name: Padma Lakshmi’S Yogurt Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 5 cups cooked Basmati rice; 4 cups plain whole-milk yogurt; 1 1/2 teaspoons teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste; 2 cups peeled and diced English cucumbers (in spring or summer), or 2 cups fresh pomegranate seeds (in fall or winter); 1/4 cup canola oil; 2 tablespoons white gram lentils (urad dal, found at Indian grocery stores,or chopped cashews are a good substitute); 2 teaspoons black mustard seeds; 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida powder (found at Indian grocery stores); 1 to 2 medium green chiles (preferably serrano) with seeds, diced, or more to taste; 12 medium curry leaves, torn into small pieces; Cilantro leaves or fresh curry leaves for garnish (optional); To serve, mango or lime pickle or Padma's fresh green mango curry (as pictured and linked in the note above)

Servings: persons

5 cups cooked Basmati rice
4 cups plain whole-milk yogurt
1 1/2 teaspoons teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
2 cups peeled and diced English cucumbers (in spring or summer), or 2 cups fresh pomegranate seeds (in fall or winter)
1/4 cup canola oil
2 tablespoons white gram lentils (urad dal, found at Indian grocery stores,or chopped cashews are a good substitute)
2 teaspoons black mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon asafoetida powder (found at Indian grocery stores)
1 to 2 medium green chiles (preferably serrano) with seeds, diced, or more to taste
12 medium curry leaves, torn into small pieces
Cilantro leaves or fresh curry leaves for garnish (optional)
To serve, mango or lime pickle or Padma's fresh green mango curry (as pictured and linked in the note above)

1
In a large bowl, combine the rice, yogurt, and salt, kneading them together with your hands. Then stir in the cucumber (in spring or summer) or the pomegranate seeds (in fall or winter). Set aside.
2
In a small saute pan, heat the canola oil over medium heat. After a few minutes, when the oil is hot and shimmering, add in the lentils. When they're just beginning to turn golden (after about 3 minutes), add in the mustard seeds and asafoetida powder. Stir briefly. You will hear a popping sound when the mustard seeds begin to cook.
3
After just a minute, when the popping becomes more frequent, add in the chilies and curry leaves. Stir for 1 to 2 minutes, then remove the pan from the heat.
4
This dish should be served at room temperature, or cold, and it's great for a summer lunch or dinner. If you're making it ahead, just stir in a bit of water to loosen it up before serving; it should have a porridge or oatmeal-like consistency.

1136

kcal

Calories

Fat

201

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 5 cups cooked Basmati rice, 4 cups plain whole-milk yogurt, 1 1/2 teaspoons teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste, 2 cups peeled and diced English cucumbers (in spring or summer), or 2 cups fresh pomegranate seeds (in fall or winter), and more.

Yes, Padma Lakshmi’S Yogurt Rice falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Padma Lakshmi’S Yogurt Rice

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions