{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "How to Set Thick Creamy Curd in 15 Minutes Using Poonam Devnani’s Simple Trick",
  "summary": "When you run out of curd and need it instantly, this clever steam-based method shared by Poonam Devnani lets you prepare thick curd in just 15 minutes.",
  "content": "Curd remains an essential part of daily life in Indian households. Whether it is preparing raita to accompany parathas, enjoying buttermilk in the afternoon, or enhancing the flavor of a meal, curd adds value to every dining plate. However, unexpected guests arriving or realizing at the last minute that the refrigerator is out of curd can create a difficult situation. Traditionally, setting curd takes anywhere from 6 to 8 hours, making emergency preparation a major challenge.\n\nIf you have ever faced this hassle, there is no need to worry anymore. Well-known chef Poonam Devnani has shared a brilliant secret method that lets you make thick and creamy curd in just 15 minutes without using any pressure cooker.\n\nRequired Ingredients for Quick Curd\nTo try this simple kitchen hack, you will need a few basic items. These include 2 cups of full cream milk at a lukewarm temperature, 2 small spoons of fresh and sour starter culture, a large vessel or kadhai to create steam, 1 to 2 cups of water to cover the bottom of the vessel, and a stand to support the curd container.\n\nStep-by-Step Method to Set Thick Curd in 15 Minutes\nBegin by heating the milk and then letting it cool down to a lukewarm state. Ensure the milk is not excessively hot, otherwise, it will curdle and release water. If the milk is too cold, the starter culture will not activate properly. When you dip a finger into the milk, it should feel comfortably warm.\n\nPour this lukewarm milk into the container where you want to set the curd. Add 2 spoons of fresh curd as a starter. Using a spoon or a whisk, beat the mixture thoroughly for about 1 minute. Creating froth in the milk helps form a rich, creamy layer on top of the set curd. Cover the container securely with a lid afterward.\n\nNext, place a large pot, deep vessel, or kadhai on the stove. Pour 1 to 2 cups of water at the bottom. The water level should only remain at the base of the vessel and must not be so high that it splashes into the curd container while boiling. Place a wire stand in the middle of the water so that the curd container does not come into direct contact with the water.\n\nAllow the water to come to a boil. Once steam starts forming, place the covered curd container on top of the stand. Cover the large pot securely with a heavy lid or plate so that the steam cannot escape. Keep the flame at a low to medium setting and let it process for 12 to 15 minutes. The heat from the steam activates the starter instantly, causing the milk to thicken rapidly.\n\nTurn off the stove after 15 minutes. Do not remove the lid immediately; let the container sit inside the steam for another 2 to 3 minutes. Carefully take out the curd container afterward.\n\nSpecial Secret Tips for Perfect Curd\nAlways keep the water level below the height of the stand in the large pot to prevent boiling water from reaching the curd. Always use fresh and sweet starter culture for setting curd, as a sour starter can ruin the taste. Furthermore, after taking the curd out of the steam, placing it in the refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes will make it even thicker, creamier, and better set.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. How much milk is needed to set curd in 15 minutes without a cooker?\nYou need 2 cups of lukewarm full cream milk for this method.\n\n2. What kind of starter culture should be used for setting curd?\nYou should always use 2 small spoons of fresh and sweet curd as a starter culture.\n\n3. Is a pressure cooker used in this method?\nNo, this method uses a large pot or kadhai with water and a stand to create steam instead of a cooker.\n\n4. What should be done with the curd after taking it out of the steam?\nAfter taking it out of the steam, placing the curd container in the refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes helps it become even thicker.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/food/how-to-set-thick-creamy-curd-in-15-minutes-using-poonam-devnanis-simple-trick-20044",
  "category": "Food",
  "publishedAt": "2026-08-22",
  "tags": [
    "curd recipe",
    "poonam devnani",
    "kitchen tips",
    "instant dahi",
    "cooking hacks"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}