A simple yet refreshing classic Indian raita recipe is made with creamy yoghurt, vegetables, fresh herbs, and a hint of spice. One of the best yoghurt-based versatile side dish recipes that complement curries, biryani, or any spicy dish. Let's create the creamy, cool, and delicious raita at home in 5 minutes!
Raita goes well with curries, biryani, parathas, kebabs, and a variety of Indian dishes. It complements spicy curries like Chicken Rogan Josh, Lamb Tikka Masala, Vegetable Bhuna, etc. Its cooling and creamy flavour enhances the flavour of these dishes and provides balance to the hot and spiciness of the dish.
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What is Raita?
Raita is a traditional Indian condiment, made of yoghurt, vegetables, herbs, onions, and simple seasoning ingredients. The term, " Raita " comes from Hindi and it refers to a Indian traditional yoghurt-based side dish. It's famous for its soothing and refreshing properties and for harmonizing the spiciness of the strong-flavoured dishes.
The taste of Raita is creamy, cool, and tangy. It's a perfect combination of the subtle tanginess from yoghurt, the crispiness of vegetables, fresh herbs, and aromatic seasoning spices.
One of the most versatile condiments is that the ingredients can be customized according to your own preferences. You can experiment by adding different varieties of yoghurt, grated vegetables, and spices for a uniquely personalized Raita.
Ingredients we need
Yoghurt, cucumber, coriander, and salt are the basic ingredients you will need. But in this recipe, I am adding extra vegetables, green chilli, lime, coriander, and some spices for a kick of heat.
- Yoghurt: is the key ingredient in making Raita and it provides the creamy, sour base.
- Cucumber: Diced or chopped cucumbers add a cooling, pleasant flavour and crisp texture to the raita. It complements the creaminess of the tangy yoghurt.
- Carrot: You can add grated or small diced carrots for a bit of crunch and sweetness.
- Onion: Sharp and pungent flavour of onion enhances the overall taste of this yoghurt sauce. We usually add salad onion, Asian shallots, baby shallots, or echalion shallots.
- Coriander ( cilantro ): Coriander brings a fresh, citrusy, pungent, and herbaceous aroma and it goes really well with this yoghurt sauce and Indian onion salad.
- Green chilli: I love to add green chillies for a spicy kick. Feel free to adjust the chilli amount or omit it to your taste.
- Lime: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a zesty, citrusy taste to brighten up the sauce.
- Salt: A pinch of salt is essential to enhance the overall taste. Simply add fine table salt or a choice of sea salt, pink salt, rock salt, kosher salt, etc.
- Ground spices: Sprinkle a dash of Chaat masala, chilli powder, and cumin powder for extra warmth and depth to your raita. But spices are optional. You don't have to add ground spices if you would like to make it simple.
How to prepare it
- 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.
How to serve it?
Raita pairs well with spicy dishes like, biryani, pulao, curries, kebabs, 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:
Tips and Variations
- Fantastic ways to serve raita: Beyond curries and rice, raita can be enjoyed in many ways. You can serve it as a dip for fries, and chips, or serve it as a spread in sandwiches, tacos, wraps, burritos, etc. It can be also added as a filling for stuffed bread, naan, chapati, or parathas.
- Vegetarian & Vegan Option: To make vegan version, you can substitute natural yoghurt with plant-based yoghurts. Popular options are coconut milk yoghurt, soy milk yoghurt, almond yoghurt, 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.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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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.
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