A simple, refreshing Easy Raita Recipe made with creamy yoghurt, vegetables, fresh herbs, and a hint of spice. One of the best side dish recipes that complement curries and biryani. Let's create the creamy, cool, and delicious raita at home in 5 minutes!
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.
Raita is a traditional Indian condiment. The term " Raita " comes from Hindi and it refers to a traditional Indian yoghurt-based side dish. It is famous for its soothing and refreshing properties and for harmonizing the spiciness of strong-flavoured dishes.
One of the most versatile condiments is that the ingredients can be customized according to your own preferences.
Ingredients
The following is a quick guide. Please scroll and see the recipe card for the measurements.
Yoghurt & Vegetables
- Natural yoghurt is the key ingredient in making Raita a creamy, sour base.
- Vegetables: cucumber, carrot, onion
- Fresh herbs: coriander or mint leaves
- Green chilli
- Lime
Ground spices & Seasonings
- Chaat masala
- Chilli powder
- Cumin powder
- Salt to taste
Top Tips
- Beyond curries and rice, raita can be enjoyed in many ways.
- Serve it as a dip for fries and chips or serve it as a spread in sandwiches, tacos, wraps, burritos, etc.
- It can also be added as a filling for stuffed bread, naan, chapati, or parathas.
Variations
- Vegetarian & Vegan Option: Substitute natural yoghurt with plant-based yoghurt. You can also try my no-yoghurt Easy Indian Onion Salad recipe.
- Popular options are coconut milk yoghurt, soy milk, almond, and cashew yoghurt.
- Yoghurt sauce texture: 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.
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.
Recipe FAQs
To make raita, you can either use natural, greek-style, full-fat, or low-fat, to your personal choice. But recommend using unflavoured, unsweetened plain yoghurt.
Raita can be prepared ahead of time and kept in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Cover the bowl with a cling film or place it in an air-tight container and refrigerate. When you are ready to serve, transfer the chilled raita into the serving bowl and garnish with coriander or a sprinkle of Chaat masala and chilli powder.
Raita is a healthy condiment because it is made of yoghurt, which is rich in probiotics and calcium. It also contains fresh vegetables and herbs, which are loaded with vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants.
Serving Suggestions
Raita pairs well with spicy dishes like biryani, pulao, curries, Chicken kebab, tandoori dishes, etc. It can be either served as 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:
If you've enjoyed this raita recipe, please share your feedback in the comments and give me star 🌟 ratings!
I post daily on social media, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok , & Pinterest! Follow my channels for the updates! 🔔
📖 Recipe
Easy 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
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.
Comments
No Comments