Authentic Raita

This authentic Raita recipe is easy and delicious! It’s a refreshing yogurt sauce with cucumber and mint, served with Indian dishes to cool and refresh the palate. Video.

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Here is the best recipe for Raita I learned to make, while in India. This cooling Indian sauce or condiment is perfect alongside spicy Indian dishes, or served as a refreshing side dish or dip for naan.

Watch how to make Raita (video)

What is raita?

Raita is a creamy Indian yogurt sauce or condiment traditionally served alongside spicy Indian dishes. It is used to cool down the palate, often served with spicy curries, dal, tandoori chicken, biryani, rice dishes, kebabs, Indian butter chicken or as a yogurt dip, with a side of roti, paratha, or toasted naan. There are different variations of riata, using various vegetables: tomato, bell peppers, or carrots. This version is cucumber raita made with Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, onions, fresh herbs like mint and cilantro, and cumin and coriander. It is similar in texture to Tzatziki. Optionally, you can add fresh green chilies for some heat and a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.

Easy Raita Ingredients

• Plain Greek yogurt – use a thick yogurt, greek yogurt, for a thicker, richer consistency.
• Fresh grated cucumber- Use thin-skinned cucumbers like English, Turkish, or Persian cucumbers and leave the skin on. Or feel free to peel waxy cucumbers. Scrape out the seeds!
• Onion– or sub-green onions or chives.
• Fresh herbs- mint, cilantro, or chives.
• Salt and spices– cumin powder & coriander
• Fresh green chili– optional, but add a nice heat!
• Olive oil– I love adding a little olive oil for extra richness, this is not traditional, but it is tasty!

How to Make Authentic Raita (Instructions)

1. Prep the ingredients (cut the onion, grate cucumber & chop herbs) and place with the yogurt and spices in a bowl.
2. Stir until combined.
3. Garnish with fresh herbs.
4. Riata will keep in an airtight container the refridgerator for up to 4 days.

What to serve with Indian RaitA?

A traditional Indian condiment, Raita is one of the essential side dishes when serving an Indian meal. It is very cooling to the palate, tempering and balancing the heat of spicy Indian dishes. Serve raita with:

Baked Tandoori Chicken and Veggies

Authentic Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

Chana Masala

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• Grilled Tandoori Chicken
• Quick Chickpea Biryani 
• Sheet Pan Tandoori Bake
• Indian Butter Chicken,
• Basmati Rice

Raita Variations

Here are some variations of Raita that you can try:

1. Boondi Raita: Boondi is a popular Indian snack made from gram flour. In this variation, boondi is added to the yogurt along with spices, creating a crunchy texture and a burst of flavors.
2. Pomegranate Raita: This variation adds a sweet and tangy twist to the traditional raita. Fresh pomegranate seeds are sprinkled over the yogurt, adding a pop of color and refreshing taste.
3. Beet Raita: Grated beetroot is added to the yogurt, giving it a vibrant pink color and earthy flavor.
4. Onion Raita: Finely chopped onions are added to the yogurt along with spices like mustard seeds and fennel seeds, creating a flavorful and crunchy raita.
5. Fruit Raita: Diced fruits like apples, pears, and grapes are mixed with yogurt creating a sweet and creamy raita. Pineapple raita is popular and makes for a refreshing dessert or a side dish.
6. Vegetable Raita: Vegetables are finely chopped and mixed with yogurt and chopped coriander.

Enjoy the raita, and please let us know what you think in the comments below!

xoxo

Sylvia

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