When it comes to Indian cuisine, there’s one dish that stands out for its simplicity, versatility, and cooling effect – the humble raita. A yogurt-based condiment made with a mix of spices, herbs, and sometimes vegetables or fruits, raita is often served as a side dish to balance the spiciness of curries and other savory dishes. But did you know that there are countless ways to make a delicious raita? From classic cucumber and mint combinations to bold and adventurous pairings like pineapple and beetroot, we’ve got 20 refreshing raita recipes to share with you that will take your taste buds on a thrilling ride.
Cucumber Mint Raita
A refreshing Indian-inspired yogurt-based side dish that pairs perfectly with spicy dishes or as a light snack on its own. This Cucumber Mint Raita is a simple and flavorful accompaniment to hot summer days.
Ingredients:
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and grated
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the grated cucumber and salt. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow excess water to drain.
2. In another bowl, mix together the yogurt, chopped mint leaves, and lemon juice until well combined.
3. Add the drained cucumber mixture to the yogurt mixture and stir until smooth.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including draining time)
Boondi Raita
A classic Indian side dish, Boondi Raita is a creamy and crunchy accompaniment to spicy curries or as a refreshing snack. This simple recipe yields a delicious and authentic-tasting raita.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup yogurt
– 1/2 cup gram flour (besan)
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together gram flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. Gradually add in water to form a thick batter.
3. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
4. Using a spoon, drop small balls of the batter into the hot oil.
5. Fry boondis until they are golden brown and crispy (about 3-4 minutes).
6. Drain and rinse boondis with water to remove excess oil.
7. Mix fried boondis with yogurt in a bowl.
8. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pineapple Raita
This sweet and tangy pineapple raita is a perfect accompaniment to spicy dishes or as a snack on its own. With the creamy yogurt, crunchy cucumbers, and sweetness of pineapple, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 1/2 cup diced fresh pineapple
– 1/4 cup diced cucumber
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together yogurt and honey until smooth.
2. Add diced pineapple and cucumber to the bowl and mix well.
3. Sprinkle cumin powder over the mixture, if using.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe requires no cooking.
Beetroot Raita
A refreshing and healthy twist on the traditional Indian condiment, Beetroot Raita adds a pop of color and flavor to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium beetroot, peeled and grated
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
– Salt, to taste
– Chopped cilantro or scallions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together the grated beetroot and yogurt until well combined.
2. Add the cumin, coriander, and salt. Mix until smooth.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Garnish with chopped cilantro or scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep time) + 30 minutes (refrigeration time)
Carrot and Peanut Raita
A refreshing and creamy condiment perfect for accompanying spicy dishes or using as a topping for Indian-inspired meals. This raita is made with the natural sweetness of carrots, the richness of peanuts, and the tanginess of yogurt.
Ingredients:
– 2 large carrots, peeled and grated
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh peanuts
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt to taste
– Chopped cilantro or scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the grated carrots, chopped peanuts, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt and lemon juice until smooth.
3. Add the carrot-peanut mixture to the yogurt mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Garnish with cilantro or scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Spinach Raita
A creamy and refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with spicy Indian dishes. This spinach raita is a delightful twist on the classic yogurt-based condiment.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• Salt, to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the spinach leaves and chop them coarsely.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped spinach, yogurt, lemon juice, and cumin powder.
3. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep: 5 min, blend: 5 min)
Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside your favorite Indian dishes!
Tomato Onion Raita
A refreshing yogurt-based side dish that’s perfect for hot summer days or as a cooling accompaniment to spicy meals. This Tomato Onion Raita is a simple and flavorful condiment that combines the sweetness of tomatoes with the pungency of onions.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
– Salt, to taste
– Chopped cilantro or scallions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the sliced onions and diced tomatoes.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, and cumin powder.
3. Add the yogurt mixture to the onion-tomato mixture and mix well.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro or scallions, if desired.
7. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including chilling time)
Pomegranate Raita
This sweet and tangy raita is a perfect accompaniment to spicy dishes or a healthy snack for any time of day. With the added burst of flavor from pomegranate, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 1/2 cup diced fresh pomegranate (about 1 small fruit)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt and honey until smooth.
2. Add the diced pomegranate, cumin, and salt. Mix well.
3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
5. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep time only)
Sweet Corn Raita
Beat the heat with this creamy and delicious sweet corn raita! This Indian-inspired dish is a perfect accompaniment to spicy dishes or a light snack on its own.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked sweet corn kernels
– 1/2 cup plain yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt, to taste
– Chopped cilantro or scallions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt, honey, and cumin until smooth.
2. Add the cooked sweet corn kernels and mix well.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Garnish with chopped cilantro or scallions, if desired.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is a quick and easy assembly of ingredients.
Garlic Raita
A flavorful and refreshing yogurt-based side dish that pairs perfectly with spicy Indian dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt and minced garlic until smooth.
2. Add the lemon juice and salt. Whisk until well combined.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time:
– Prep time: 5 minutes
– Chill time: 30 minutes
– Total time: 35 minutes
Potato Raita
This recipe is a twist on the classic Indian raita, adding boiled potatoes for extra creaminess and flavor. Perfect as a side dish or a topping for your favorite curries.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1/2 cup plain yogurt
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt, to taste
– Chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Boil the potatoes until tender, then drain and set aside.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, and cumin.
3. Add the boiled potatoes to the yogurt mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Roasted Eggplant Raita
Roasted Eggplant Raita Recipe
Discover the creamy delight of Indian-inspired Roasted Eggplant Raita! This refreshing side dish is perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1-2 teaspoons grated ginger for added warmth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place eggplant slices on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast eggplants for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
5. In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, cilantro, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper to make the raita.
6. Once eggplant is done, let it cool slightly before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
7. Add roasted eggplant to the yogurt mixture and mix well.
8. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired.
9. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (roasting) + 30 minutes (chilling)
Curry Leaf Raita
This refreshing yogurt-based raita is a perfect accompaniment to spicy Indian dishes like curries and biryanis. The addition of curry leaves adds a unique flavor dimension that complements the creamy yogurt.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh curry leaves
– 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt, to taste
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt, curry leaves, ginger, cumin, and salt until smooth.
2. Add the lemon juice and mix well.
3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None! Just chill and serve.
This raita is best served chilled, garnished with additional curry leaves if desired. Enjoy!
Apple Walnut Raita
This creamy yogurt-based dip gets a sweet and crunchy boost from sautéed apples and walnuts. Perfect for snacking or as a side dish, this raita is sure to delight!
Ingredients:
– 1 large apple, peeled and diced
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a non-stick pan, sauté the apples over medium heat until they’re tender and lightly caramelized.
2. Add the chopped walnuts and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the yogurt, honey, and salt.
4. Fold in the cooked apple-walnut mixture.
5. Chill the raita in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve cold, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including chilling time)
Spicy Mango Raita
This Indian-inspired condiment combines the sweetness of mango with the spiciness of chili peppers, creating a unique and tantalizing flavor experience. Perfect as a dip for snacks or as a side dish to accompany spicy dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
– 1-2 teaspoons harissa chili pepper paste (depending on desired heat level)
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine yogurt, mango, cumin, smoked paprika (if using), and salt. Mix well.
2. Add the harissa chili pepper paste and mix until smooth.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve chilled, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Serves: 4-6 people
Avocado Raita
Raita is a popular Indian condiment that pairs perfectly with spicy dishes, and this creamy avocado version takes it to the next level. With the smoothness of avocado and the tanginess of yogurt, this raita is a refreshing twist on the classic.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados, diced
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt, to taste
– Optional: 1-2 teaspoons grated ginger or 1-2 cloves minced garlic for added flavor
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced avocado and Greek yogurt.
2. Stir until smooth and creamy, mashing any remaining chunks of avocado with a fork if needed.
3. Add the chopped cilantro, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well to combine.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired, adding grated ginger or minced garlic if desired for extra flavor.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! Just chill and serve.
Roasted Bell Pepper Raita
This refreshing raita combines the sweetness of roasted bell peppers with the tanginess of yogurt, perfect for a light and flavorful side dish or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 large bell peppers (any color)
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt to taste
– Optional: garlic powder or minced garlic, red chili flakes
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place bell peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until charred and tender.
3. Let the bell peppers cool, then peel off the skin and chop into bite-sized pieces.
4. In a bowl, combine roasted bell pepper, Greek yogurt, cilantro, lemon juice, and salt to taste. Mix well.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If desired, add garlic powder or minced garlic for extra flavor.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes (roasting time) + 10 minutes (prep time)
Ginger Cucumber Raita
Beat the heat with this refreshing Indian-inspired condiment that combines the sweetness of cucumber and the spiciness of ginger. Serve it alongside spicy dishes or as a side to balance out rich flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and grated
– 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 1/2 cup plain yogurt
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt, to taste
– Chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the cucumber, ginger, and salt. Mix well.
2. Add the yogurt and lemon juice. Stir until smooth.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Garnish with cilantro, if desired.
6. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
Mustard Seed Raita
This creamy raita recipe combines the tanginess of mustard seeds with the sweetness of yogurt, creating a perfect side dish or accompaniment to Indian meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 2 tablespoons mustard seeds
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
– Salt, to taste
– Chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt and cumin powder until smooth.
2. Add the mustard seeds, lemon juice, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep) + 30 minutes (refrigeration)
Chickpea Raita
This creamy side dish is a staple in Indian cuisine, perfect for balancing the heat of spicy curries or as a refreshing snack. Chickpea raita’s comforting texture and subtle flavor make it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
– 1/2 cup plain yogurt
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt, to taste
– Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine chickpeas, yogurt, lemon juice, and cumin. Blend until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe requires no cooking time, simply assemble and chill.
Summary
Discover the delight of raitas with these refreshing recipes! From classic flavors to innovative twists, this collection of 20 raita recipes offers something for everyone. Try cooling down with Cucumber Mint Raita or Spicy Mango Raita, or add some crunch with Carrot and Peanut Raita. For a sweet treat, indulge in Pineapple Raita or Apple Walnut Raita. Each recipe is carefully crafted to bring out the best flavors of its ingredients. Explore this delightful collection and find your new favorite raita!