Curd rice is a comforting and popular South Indian dish made with cooked rice and yogurt (curd). The preparation begins by mixing cooled, cooked rice with yogurt until the rice is well-coated and creamy. For added flavor, a tempering is prepared by heating oil or ghee and adding mustard seeds, urad dal (split black gram), chana dal (split chickpeas), dried red chilies, finely chopped green chilies, grated ginger, and curry leaves. This tempering is then mixed into the yogurt-rice blend, infusing it with a delightful aroma and taste. Some variations also include grated carrots, chopped cucumbers, or pomegranate seeds for added texture and flavor. Curd rice is typically garnished with fresh coriander leaves and served chilled, making it a soothing and cooling dish, especially popular during hot weather. It is often enjoyed as a light meal or as a soothing end to a spicy Indian meal.