Easy Raita Recipe

Indian Raita is a yogurt and fresh vegetable dip that’s served with Indian curries and rice recipes such as Biryani and Matar Pulao. There are many variations, such as this cucumber raita, mint raita and boondi raita. It's the perfect creamy, cooling condiment to your favorite curry! 

Raita is such an important side dish or condiment that’s served with almost all Indian and Pakistani recipes. It’s got a cooling effect so it compliments spicy curries really well.

I absolutely love this easy raita with rice recipes such as this Matar Pulao or Jeera Rice, but it’s also lovely as a dip for steamy hot naan with a side of chicken tikka…mmm…yum!!

What You Need

• Yogurt (Regular or Greek is fine)
• Herbs such as fresh coriander and mint
• Spices such as roasted cumin and red chilli powder (lal mirch powder)
• Green chillies
• Fresh vegetables OR fruit such as tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, pomegranate and pineapple. 

What Type of Yogurt Can I Use?

You can use any kind of yogurt you like. I like to use plain yogurt, but greek yogurt would also be good.

But since I like my raita to be a bit thin when it comes to consistency, I almost always use plain regular yogurt with a little bit of water.

If you prefer your raita to have a thick consistency, then definitely use greek yogurt.

Common Herbs & Spices Used

The most commonly used herbs in raita are fresh coriander and mint. These both lend a cooling and earthy effect, and compliment most Indian and Pakistani flavours really well.

When it comes to spices, roasted cumin powder is a must.

Some recipes also call for red chilli powder which is also known as lal mirch powder. Lal mirch powder is not the same as chilli powder or cayenne pepper.

Green chillies are also used quite commonly in raita, but if you don’t want lots of spice then you can definitely skip them or use them after removing the seeds. 

How to Make It

The raita that I’m sharing with you today is the most commonly made raita in Pakistani and Indian households. It goes really well with rice recipes such as biryani, yakhni pulao, and other rice recipes.

• Yogurt
• Chopped tomato
• Chopped onion
• Chopped cucumber
• Roasted cumin powder
• Green chilli
• Salt
• Water (to thin out the consistency of the raita if desired)

Just toss all the vegetables and spices into the yogurt and mix away. Add some water if you would like a thinner raita, and that’s it! Chill in the fridge, until ready to serve.

Variations

Cucumber Raita 

I’ve shared this recipe on my blog, and it has to be one of my favourite raita recipes. I like to serve it with biryani. All you need is shredded cucumber, yogurt, salt and black pepper. Get the full recipe here.

Boondi Raita

Boondi raita is another favourite recipes of mine an I love to serve it with this Daal and Jeera Rice.

It’s made from boondi, which are tiny fried chickpea or gram flour balls. I like to use Haldiram boondi for this raita. At first they're a bit crunchy, but as they absorb the yogurt, they become soft and juicy. I also like to sprinkle boondi raita with some chaat masala, to give it a bit of tang and spice.

Mint & Coriander Raita

This is another commonly made raita, and it’s super easy to make. I actually use my Green Chutney recipe (pictured below) to make this raita, by just adding yogurt to it. All you need to do is make some green chutney, and mix it with some plain yogurt.

This mint and coriander raita goes really well with chicken tikka and Chicken Seekh Kabab.

Aloo (Potato) Raita

Aloo or Potato Raita is another lovely raita, which is made with chunks of boiled potato, chopped onion, green chillies, salt, roasted cumin powder and of course yogurt. It also goes really well with Indian and Pakistani rice recipes.

Pomegranate Raita

Looking for a fruity raita? Then look no further than pomegranate raita. Just mix together pomegranate seeds, yogurt, roasted cumin powder and salt. That’s it, super easy peasy!!!

Serving Suggestions 

Tadka Dal

Jeera Rice

Matar Pulao

Chicken Seekh Kabab

Aloo Tikki