Raita is an Indian accompaniment made using fresh plain yogurt and spices. A variety of veggies and fruits are added to it for variations. Here is how to make it.
Well, if there is one dish that is simple, quick, and can make a simple meal interesting, it is Indian Raita Recipe.
It is an Indian accompaniment that can round off any meal and is so easy that you can get it ready last minute.
Also, it has so many variations that you can make a new one so that none at home gets bored of it.
Well, it is my favorite and it is served with meals almost every day, especially in Summers.
Why? Because it is made of Curd and it has amazing properties to cool your body down and save you from the scorching heat outside.
Also when I have literally no time in my hand, Raita becomes such a life savior as it makes my simplest to simplest meal interesting.
What is Raita?
It is an Indian condiment is made of Curd/Yogurt.
Yogurt is whisked until smooth and then flavored with various ingredients.
So If you want a side dish for your meals next time, you can just whip up this quick accompaniment.
Ingredients
Other than yogurt as its main Raita ingredient, I have added green chillies, coriander leaves, finely chopped onions, and tomatoes to spice it up and give a nice crunch.
To flavor it up more, salt, black salt, and cumin powder have also been added.
Here, I have used only tomato and onion, but you can use any raw vegetable of your choice to make your own version such as Bottle Gourd, Cucumber, Carrot etc.
Variations
Sometimes I like to serve plain yogurt with my meals and other days, some of my favorite raita such as Carrot, Easy Cucumber, Restaurant Style Pineapple, Pahadi Kheere Ka Raita, Boondi, Palak, Mooli, Pomegranate, Mint and many more.
Kaddu ka Raita – It is easy to make accompaniment made using fresh pumpkin and yogurt and it goes very well with Indian meals.
Carrot Raita – It is an Indian side dish made using fresh yogurt, grated carrots, and few spices. It can be paired with any Indian meal.
Cucumber Raita – It is a creamy side dish made using grated cucumber, yogurt, and a few spices. It is a great accompaniment with spicy Indian meals and has many health benefits.
Mango Raita – It is a delicious curd based accompaniment that goes very well with any meals. Ripe mango and mint make this very special and a must make during summers when mangoes are in season.
Pineapple Raita – Make this easy Restaurant Style Pineapple Raita at home using my simple recipe and see yourself falling in love with the dish all over again.
Boondi Raita – It is a healthy and delicious accompaniment made with yogurt and small fried balls made of chickpea flour and it goes very well with Indian meals.
Serving Suggestions
Every household has its own way of serving Raita, but I will tell you how I like to serve mine.
- You can serve it with your Pulav, Biryani, or any other Rice preparation you make at home. I also serve it with the most comforting food during Winters, Khichdi.
- Serve it along with your everyday meals. By everyday meals, I mean Dal, Rice, Sabzi, Phulka with a side of salad.
- Serve it along with Stuffed Parathas such as Aloo Paratha, Gobhi Paratha, Mooli Paratha, Paneer Paratha for your breakfast or dinner.
Storage Ideas
If you have leftovers, you can refrigerate it for about 2 days in an airtight container.
I would recommend you to make it fresh every time you want to serve it because nothing tastes better than a fresh Raita.
Frozen raita split a little when you thaw it. But you can keep whisking it and add some fresh smooth curd to make it smooth again.
So just in case you have a lot of leftovers, you can freeze it in that case.
Step by Step Recipe
Whisk the yogurt until smooth.
Add cumin powder, black salt and regular salt and mix well.
Add green chilli, cilantro, onion and tomato and mix well.
Refrigerate it for a few hours before serving.
Tomato Onion Raita Recipe
Raita is an Indian accompaniment made using fresh plain yogurt and spices. Variety of veggies and fruits are added to it for variations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Yogurt
- 1/2 tsp Roasted Cumin Powder
- 1/2 tsp Black Salt
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp Green Chilli Finely Chopped
- 2 tbsp Fresh Coriander Chopped
- 1/2 cup Onion Chopped
- 1/2 cup Tomato Chopped
Instructions
Whisk the yogurt until smooth.
Add cumin powder, black salt and regular salt and mix well.
Add green chilli, cilantro, onion and tomato and mix well.
Add little milk if it is too thick.
Refrigerate it for a few hours before serving.
Recipe Notes
You can thin the raita using water also.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!