Indian raita, a traditional yogurt-based condiment that serves as a cooling and flavorful side dish in Indian dishes. It typically consists of yogurt mixed with various ingredients such as chopped vegetables, herbs, and spices. Common variations include cucumber raita, tomato raita, mint raita, and onion raita. The addition of spices like cumin and coriander, along with a touch of salt, enhances the taste. Raita is often served alongside spicy Indian dishes to balance flavors and provide a refreshing element to the meal.
Here’s how you make it!
Ingredients
1 cup plain yogurt
1 cucumber, grated or finely chopped
1 medium-sized tomato, finely chopped
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust according to spice preference)
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin seeds (optional)
1/2 teaspoon chaat masala (optional)
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth.
Add the grated or chopped cucumber, chopped tomato, and finely chopped onion to the yogurt.
Include the finely chopped green chilies for a hint of spice.
Sprinkle cumin powder over the mixture.
Optionally, add roasted cumin seeds and chaat masala for extra flavor.
Season with salt according to your taste.
Mix all the ingredients well until evenly combined.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Raita pairs well with various Indian meals, providing a cooling and flavorful contrast.
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Sixto Carreon
Sixto Carreon is a lifestyle chef and cookbook author based in Singapore. He shares simple, healthy, and flavorful recipes inspired by global traditions. Sixto’s goal is to make home cooking easy, enjoyable, and full of heart.
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