A family favourite, simple and refreshing Raita Recipe made with creamy yoghurt, vegetables, fresh herbs, and a hint of spice. One of the best Indian condiment recipes that complements your curries and biryani.
You can whip up creamy, cool, and delicious raita at home in just 5 minutes!
Raita is a classic Indian side dish made with creamy yoghurt and fresh ingredients. The word ' raita ' originates from Hindi and is known for its cooling and refreshing effect, making it perfect for balancing out the heat in spicy curries.
It's a staple on the Indian family dinner table, often served alongside rich, spicy, bold-flavoured dishes to bring a bit of calm and freshness to every bite.
Family Favourite Condiment
Growing up with my Indian grandparents, they would make raita almost every day, especially when Granny was preparing spicy Beef Curry or Chicken Biryani for dinner.
My granny would hand-whisk the yoghurt, then fold in fresh, home-grown veggies and herbs from her backyard.
It's so versatile. You can easily tailor it to your taste by adding different vegetables and spice. It’s one of those dishes that really lets you play with what you have in the kitchen.
Raita goes well with curries, biryani, parathas, kebabs, and various Indian dishes. It complements spicy curries like Indian Potato curry, Chicken Rogan Josh, Lamb Tikka Masala, Vegetable Bhuna, etc.
Ingredients you'll need
The following is a quick guide. Please scroll down to view the recipe card for the measurements.
Yoghurt & Vegetables
- Natural yoghurt
- Vegetables: cucumber, carrot, onion
- Fresh herbs: coriander or mint leaves
- Green chilli
- Lime
Ground Spices & Seasonings
- Chaat masala ( optional )
- Chilli powder
- Cumin powder
- Salt to taste
How to make Raita
Step 1: Prepare your fresh ingredients
First, gather the ingredients and prepare the vegetables. Finely chop or grate the cucumber, onion, carrot, and coriander ( cilantro ). Cut green chilli into thin slices.
Step 2: Mix it all together!
Then, place the chopped vegetables in a mixing bowl and add the yoghurt, salt, chilli powder, cumin powder, and chaat masala. Mix everything well.
Raita can be enjoyed in many ways
- I love using it as a dip for fries and chips, or as a spread in sandwiches, tacos, wraps, burritos, and many more!
- It can also be added as a filling for stuffed bread, naan, chapati, or parathas.
Yes, you can customise!
For Vegetarian & Vegan Option, substitute natural yoghurt with plant-based yoghurt. Popular options are coconut milk yoghurt, soy milk, almond, and cashew yoghurt. You can also try my no-yoghurt Easy Indian Onion Salad recipe.
The consistency of raita can vary according to the type of yoghurt used.
If you prefer a thicker, creamier texture, opt for thick natural yoghurt. Alternatively, if you like a thinner consistency, you can add a splash of water or use a thinner yoghurt.
Most Asked Questions
What type of yoghurt to use?
To make raita, you can use either natural, Greek yoghurt, full-fat yoghurt, or low-fat yoghurt, to your personal preference. But I recommend using unflavored, unsweetened plain yoghurt.
Can you make it ahead?
Yes, absolutely! Raita can be prepared ahead of time and kept in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Cover and place it in an airtight container and refrigerate.
When you are ready to serve, garnish with coriander or a sprinkle of Chaat masala and chilli powder.
Is raita good for health?
Yes, it's great for digestion and helps soothe the stomach.
Raita is a healthy condiment, made of natural yoghurt, which is rich in probiotics and calcium. It also contains fresh vegetables and herbs, which are loaded with vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants.
Best Curries to Enjoy with Raita
Raita pairs well with spicy dishes like biryani, pulao, curries, chicken kebabs, and tandoori dishes.
It can be served as either a side dish or a dip for a soothing, pleasant combination. From Chicken Tikka Masala to Prawn Bhuna, here are more delicious spicy Indian curry recipes that you can pair with raita:
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📖 Recipe
Raita Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Plain yoghurt Natural yoghurt, curd, or Greek yoghurt. ( About 250 grams )
- 1 Onion Shallot or salad onion, chopped
- ½ cup Cucumber About 75 grams, chopped
- ¼ cup Carrot About 40 grams, finely chopped or grated
- 4-5 tbsp Coriander Finely chopped
- 2-3 Green chillies Cut thin slices
Seasonings and Spices
- ¼ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Cumin powder
- ¼ tsp Chilli powder
- ¼ tsp Chaat masala ( optional )
Instructions
- First, gather the ingredients and prepare the vegetables. Finely chop or grate the cucumber, onion, carrot, and coriander ( cilantro ). Cut green chilli into thin slices.
- Then place the chopped vegetables in a mixing bowl and add the yoghurt, salt, chilli powder, cumin powder, and chaat masala. Mix everything well.
Notes
- How to serve Raita? Raita pairs well with spicy dishes like, biryani, pulao, curries, kebabs, tandoori dishes, etc. It can be either served as a side dish, spread, fillings, or a dip for a soothing, pleasant combination.
- Yoghurt: Recommend using unflavored, unsweetened natural yoghurt or a choice of plain yoghurt.
- Ground spices: are optional. You can omit ground spices if you prefer simple unflavored raita.
- Vegetables: You don't need to add the exact same vegetables used in this recipe. Feel free to add your favourite vegetables and herbs.
- Can you make it without chilli? Adjust the chilli heat by adding more or less fresh chillies and chilli powder. If you prefer mild raita, you can omit chillies.
- Nutritional facts: are calculated approximately and can be varied by a number of different factors.
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