Raita, a refreshing and versatile side dish, is a staple in Indian cuisine. Made from yogurt or buttermilk, it can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes, including biryanis, curries, kebabs, and parathas. Raita not only provides a cooling contrast to spicy dishes but also adds a layer of flavor and richness. With numerous variations and regional influences, raita recipes offer a wide range of taste experiences. Whether you prefer a classic cucumber raita, a tangy onion raita, or an exotic fruit raita, there's a perfect recipe for every palate. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular and delicious raita recipes, providing step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations to help you create a perfect raita that will complement your favorite dishes.
Here are our top 20 tried and tested recipes!
TRADITIONAL INDIAN RAITA
Can't take the heat? Then eat some raita. In India, the condiment is used to cool the palate.
Provided by Bon Appétit Test Kitchen
Categories Condiment/Spread No-Cook Low Fat Vegetarian Quick & Easy Yogurt Low Cal Healthy Low Cholesterol Bon Appétit
Yield Makes 1 cup
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Mix all ingredients in medium bowl. Season to taste with salt. Chill raita, covered, until ready to serve.
INDIAN CUCUMBER AND YOGURT SALAD: CUCUMBER RAITA
Provided by Aarti Sequeira
Time 10m
Yield about 4 cups
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Whisk the yogurt until smooth. Add the rest of the ingredients, plus a little freshly ground black pepper if you like. Stir, chill, and serve.
RAITA
Raita is usually considered an Indian salad. This is great served with any spicy dish!
Provided by KITKATY
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes
Time 45m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a salad bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sour cream, cumin, paprika and garlic.
- Add cucumbers and tomatoes; toss and chill before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 195.7 calories, Carbohydrate 13.3 g, Cholesterol 33.3 mg, Fat 14.4 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 5.5 g, SaturatedFat 8.9 g, Sodium 64.7 mg, Sugar 6.3 g
MOROCCAN BEEF KEBABS WITH CURRIED COUSCOUS, RAITA AND CHARMOULA VINAIGRETTE
Steps:
- For the couscous: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.Place the water in an ovenproof casserole. Whisk the curry, salt pepper into the water. Whisk the couscous into the water. Let the couscous stand for 10 minutes to absorb the water.
- Pour half of the olive oil into the couscous. Work the olive oil into the couscous by hand, rubbing the kernels to fluff the couscous break up any clumps, making sure that the couscous is evenly coated with the oil. Place the casserole into the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and pour the rest of the oil into the couscous. By hand or with a spoon, work the oil through the couscous, breaking up any clumps.
- For the raita: Place the yogurt, mint, cumin, salt and cucumbers in a bowl and stir to combine. Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary. Refrigerate until time to use.
- For the vinaigrette: Place the oil, lemon juice, cilantro, parsley, garlic, cumin, paprika and cayenne in a bowl and stir to combine. Season the charmoula with salt and pepper.
- For the kebabs: Combine the beef, onions, powdered milk, cilantro, mint, ginger, cayenne, salt and pepper in a bowl and mix thoroughly to combine. Divide the mixture into 8 balls. Form each ball into a kebab cylinder about 3 inches long. Refrigerate the kebabs until ready to grill.
- In the meantime soak, wooden skewers in water. Heat the grill to high heat. Insert the skewers into the kebabs. Brush the kebabs with olive oil and grill until they are cooked, 34 minutes per side.
- To complete the dish, place a mound of couscous on a serving plate for each person. Place 2 kebabs on each plate. Garnish the plate with the raita and drizzle the charmoula on the kebabs. Serve with warm pita bread.
CUCUMBER-MINT RAITA
Raita (a cold yogurt condiment) is often served with Indian food to cut the heat of the spicy dishes.
Categories Condiment/Spread No-Cook Yogurt Mint Cucumber Bon Appétit
Yield Makes 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Wrap grated cucumber in kitchen towel and squeeze dry. Whisk yogurt, mint, cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper in medium bowl to blend. Add cucumbers and toss to coat. Season raita to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Keep refrigerated.) Sprinkle raita with pinch of cayenne pepper and serve.
CUCUMBER RAITA
Steps:
- Combine the yogurt, herbs, cucumber, lime zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper.
CUCUMBER RAITA
An easy Cucumber Raita recipe
Provided by Linda Bladholm
Categories Condiment/Spread Sauce No-Cook Quick & Easy Yogurt Mint Spice Cucumber Summer Cilantro
Yield Serves 4 to 6
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Peel cucumber. Cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch strips, then into thin slices crosswise. Blot off moisture with paper towels. Toast cumin seeds for a few seconds in a small, heavy frying pan over high heat. In a bowl, stir yogurt until it is smooth. Mix it with the cumin, garlic and coriander or mint leaves. Combine mixture with cucumber slivers, sprinkle with cayenne or paprika, and chill before serving.
CUCUMBER RAITA
Serve this raita as a refreshing side dish with grains or with any curry. Or enjoy it on its own for lunch.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories easy, quick, condiments
Time 20m
Yield Serves 4 as a side dish
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Cut the cucumber into very small dice or grate on the large holes of a grater. Sprinkle with a generous amount of salt, toss and let sit in a colander in the sink for 15 minutes. Rinse briefly and squeeze dry in a kitchen towel. Transfer to a bowl.
- Beat the yogurt with a fork or a whisk and add the cayenne and garam masala. Toss with the cucumbers. Add the cilantro and chile and toss again. Taste and adjust salt. Chill until ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 72, UnsaturatedFat 0 grams, Carbohydrate 5 grams, Fat 4 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 6 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 303 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams
BASMATI RICE PILAF WITH INDIAN SPICES AND RAITA
Provided by Food Network
Categories side-dish
Time 1h10m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- Wash rice by rinsing in cold water. Then soak in cold water for about 30 minutes. Drain.
- In a large nonstick saute pan over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add onion and cook, stirring, until onion is tender. Add garlic, and saute for about a minute. Add cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, cloves and ginger. Saute for another minute and add the rice. Saute until rice is translucent and begins to brown. Add water, bay leaf and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, partly covered, for about 10 minutes. Most of the water will evaporate and steam holes will show through rice.
- Add peas, but do not stir. Cover tightly and let simmer for 5 minutes more. Turn off the heat and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes, covered.
- Prepare the raita: In a bowl whisk together the yogurt, cucumber, mint, cumin, chili powder and salt and pepper.
- Uncover the pilaf, season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf, cloves and cinnamon stick. Turn pilaf out onto a serving platter and pour half of the raita over rice. Pass remaining raita.
CUCUMBER RAITA WITH MINT
A cooling Indian yogurt dish that can be served as an accompaniment or as a dipping sauce. Excellent with samosas.
Provided by Sonya Jane
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes
Time 25m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat a small, heavy skillet over medium heat. Toast cumin seeds in hot skillet until darkened and fragrant, about 5 minutes; pour into a wide bowl to cool.
- Grind cumin seeds in a mortar and pestle into a fine powder.
- Put yogurt in a bowl and beat lightly with a fork or whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Stir toasted cumin seeds, cucumber, mint, salt, and cayenne pepper into the yogurt; season with black pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 70.1 calories, Carbohydrate 8.3 g, Cholesterol 6.1 mg, Fat 1.7 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 5.6 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 460.1 mg, Sugar 7.2 g
CUCUMBER AND CILANTRO RAITA
When the season permits, you can change this dish into a jewel-studded pomegranate raita: simply substitute pomegranate seeds for the cucumber and cilantro. In either case remember to add a good pinch of salt to the yogurt.
Provided by Nigella Lawson
Categories easy, quick, side dish
Time 5m
Yield 1 1/4 cups
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a medium bowl, combine yogurt and salt. Mix well. Add scallion, cucumber and cilantro. Mix again, and transfer to a small serving bowl.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 81, UnsaturatedFat 1 gram, Carbohydrate 7 grams, Fat 4 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 5 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 364 milligrams, Sugar 6 grams
EASY RAITA WITH MINT AND CILANTRO
This easy cucumber raita is flavored with fresh mint, fresh cilantro, and a touch of ground cumin. You'll be making this often!
Provided by manju
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Dips and Spreads Recipes
Time 15m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Combine Greek yogurt, cucumber, mint, cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl; mix well.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 70.9 calories, Carbohydrate 3.4 g, Cholesterol 11.3 mg, Fat 5.1 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 3.3 g, SaturatedFat 2.5 g, Sodium 52.9 mg, Sugar 2.6 g
TOMATO-MINT RAITA
A cool and tangy raita without cucumber. This salad goes very well with spicy Indian foods like biryani, tandoori, or kebab.
Provided by Buckwheat Queen
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes
Time 1h15m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Combine mint leaves, cilantro leaves, and green chile in a mini food processor. Pulse until blended, adding a bit of water to create a paste. Pour into a bowl and add dahi, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Cut tomatoes in half and remove the seeds. Dice tomatoes and add to dahi. Season with ground cumin and ground coriander. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 148.5 calories, Carbohydrate 7.6 g, Cholesterol 22.5 mg, Fat 10.4 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 7 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Sodium 72.5 mg, Sugar 6 g
CURRIED LAMB BURGERS WITH GRILLED VEGETABLES AND MINT RAITA
Provided by Tony Rosenfeld
Categories Sandwich Yogurt High Fiber Backyard BBQ Lunch Mint Ground Lamb Curry Zucchini Summer Grill Grill/Barbecue Cilantro Bon Appétit Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added
Yield Makes 6
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- For raita:
- Mix yogurt, mint, cilantro, and lime peel in small bowl. Season to taste with coarse salt and pepper. Cover; chill until cold, at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours.
- For burgers and vegetables:
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt. Sauté until onion is tender, about 8 minutes. Mix in curry powder and stir 30 seconds. Remove from heat. Cool onion mixture to room temperature, at least 15 minutes.
- Place lamb in large bowl. Add onion mixture, 1 teaspoon coarse salt, cilantro, and 1 teaspoon cracked pepper. Blend mixture gently; shape into six 1/2-inch-thick patties.
- Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Combine zucchini, green onions, and chile in another large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons oil, 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper; toss to coat. Place vegetables and burgers on grill. Cook until grill marks appear, about 4 minutes. Turn vegetables and burgers over. Cook vegetables until tender, about 3 minutes. Cook burgers to desired doneness, about 4 minutes for medium-rare. Cut zucchini and green onions crosswise into 2-inch-long pieces. Cut chile into thin strips.
- Place breads on plates; top with burgers and tomato slices. Mound vegetables on burgers; spoon dollop of raita over. Fold bread up around burgers and serve with remaining raita.
- * Often called a pasilla; available at some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores and Latin markets.
CUCUMBER-CILANTRO RAITA (YOGURT)
Quick and tasty Indian yogurt side dish that can help cool down any spicy meal. You can also add other veggies like onion, tomatoes, or bell peppers. I ate this almost every day growing up. The leftover cucumber seeds also taste great marinated in a little lemon juice with salt and pepper!
Provided by vburrito
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes
Time 20m
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Stir the yogurt, cucumber, chile pepper, cilantro, and salt together in a bowl until evenly mixed. Set aside in refrigerator to allow the flavors to mix for 10 minutes before serving cold.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 14.9 calories, Carbohydrate 1.9 g, Cholesterol 1.2 mg, Fat 0.3 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 1.2 g, SaturatedFat 0.2 g, Sodium 111.5 mg, Sugar 1.7 g
CUCUMBER, MINT, AND TOMATO RAITA
This is posted for ZWT 2006. It is from India. A simple, refreshing raita that may be served with all Indian meals. From Madhur Jaffrey
Provided by susie cooks
Categories Low Protein
Time 15m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Put yogurt in a bowl and beat lightly with a fork until smooth and creamy.
- Add salt, pepper, cayenne and cumin. Mix well.
- Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 56.8, Fat 2.2, SaturatedFat 1.3, Cholesterol 8, Sodium 323.2, Carbohydrate 7.2, Fiber 1, Sugar 4.9, Protein 3
CUCUMBER MINT RAITA
Steps:
- Transfer the yogurt to a large glass mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth, about a minute. Fold in the cucumbers, mint, honey and cumin. Stir until completely incorporated. Finish with the lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. Cover with plastic and chill until ready for use. Serve garnished with the lemon zest and mint. Can be made ahead of time and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
GRILLED SALMON WITH INDIAN SPICES AND RAITA
Provided by Bon Appétit Test Kitchen
Categories Quick & Easy Yogurt Low Cal Backyard BBQ Dinner Salmon Spice Cucumber Grill Grill/Barbecue Healthy Bon Appétit Sugar Conscious Pescatarian Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added
Yield Makes 4-6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Prepare grill (medium-high heat). Purée ginger, 1/4 cup oil, 1 tablespoon garam masala, garlic, coriander, and cumin in a blender until coarse purée forms. Put salmon into a baking dish and season with salt and pepper. Coat salmon with ginger pureée. Let marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, stir yogurt, cucumber, cilantro, scallions, lime juice, and remaining 1 teaspoon garam masala in a medium bowl. Season raita to taste with salt and pepper.
- Brush the grill rack with oil. Brush off marinade for easier grilling, or leave it on for a better crust. Grill salmon, turning once, until it just begins to flake in center, 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer salmon to a platter. Garnish with cilantro. Serve with raita.
CUCUMBER CARROT SALAD (RAITA)
This is a side dish often referred to as 'raita' in Indian cuisine. It consists of a combination of shredded cucumbers and carrots mixed in yogurt.
Provided by PB
Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Carrot Salad Recipes
Time 10m
Yield 2
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Mix cucumber, carrot, and yogurt together in a large bowl; season with salt.
- Garnish with cilantro.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 134.3 calories, Carbohydrate 17.3 g, Cholesterol 11 mg, Fat 3 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 10.3 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 143.8 mg, Sugar 15 g
INDIAN CUCUMBER RAITA
Make and share this Indian Cucumber Raita recipe from Food.com.
Provided by mumzcookin
Categories Sauces
Time 8m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Place all ingredients in a bowl. It may be easier to warm the honey, as it is easier to blend with the other ingredients. Make sure the cucumber is drained well, otherwise your raita will be too watery. Mix well, and add to serving bowl.
- Sprinkle cumin over the top.
- Serve on top or on the side of your favorite Indian dish, or serve as a dipping sauce with naan bread.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- For a smooth raita, use a food processor or blender to puree the yogurt and other ingredients.
- If you prefer a thinner raita, add some water or milk.
- For a thicker raita, use less yogurt or add some shredded cucumber or grated carrot.
- Season the raita to taste with salt, pepper, and other spices.
- Garnish the raita with fresh herbs, such as cilantro, mint, or dill.
- Serve raita chilled, as a side dish or condiment.
Conclusion:
Raita is a versatile and delicious side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of meals. It is a healthy and refreshing way to add flavor and nutrition to your diet. With so many different variations to choose from, there is sure to be a raita recipe that everyone will enjoy. So, next time you are looking for a quick and easy side dish, give raita a try. You won't be disappointed!
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
#15-minutes-or-less #time-to-make #course #main-ingredient #cuisine #preparation #occasion #5-ingredients-or-less #appetizers #lunch #condiments-etc #vegetables #asian #indian #easy #no-cook #vegetarian #dips #spreads #dietary #spicy #brown-bag #cooking-mixes #taste-mood #to-go #number-of-servings #3-steps-or-less #technique
You'll also love