Raita – From The Kitchens of India

Here are recipes for real traditional Indian raitas that you can prepare in your homes

1. Cucumber Raita 

Ingredients:

• 1 big shredded cucumber
• 1 cup plain yoghurt
• 1/4 teaspoon toasted cumin powder.
• Add salt to taste and
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
  
  

Steps:

• Remove excess water from grated cucumber and place in mixing bowl.
• Stir in the yoghurt, toasted cumin powder, and salt to the grated cucumber.
• Mix well.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve cold.
  
  
  

2. Onion Raita:

Ingredients:

• 1 finely chopped onion and 1 cup plain yoghurt.
• 1/2 teaspoon of toasted cumin powder.
• 1/4 teaspoon of red chilli powder.
• Add salt to taste and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
  
  
  

Instructions:

• In a mixing dish, combine the chopped onions, yoghurt, roasted cumin powder, red chilli powder, and salt.
• Mix thoroughly until all components are uniformly distributed.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavours to combine.
  
  
  

3. Mint Raita

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain yoghurt.
• Add 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh mint leaves and
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted cumin powder.
• 1/4 teaspoon black salt.
• 1/4 teaspoon of chaat masala (optional)
• Fresh mint leaves as garnish
  
  
  

Instructions:

• In a bowl, combine the yoghurt, chopped mint leaves, roasted cumin powder, black salt, and chaat masala (if using).
• Mix until thoroughly incorporated.
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
• Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  
  
  

4. Boondi Raita:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain yoghurt.
• 1/2 cup of boondi (fried chickpea flour balls).
• 1/2 teaspoon of toasted cumin powder.
• Add salt to taste and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Instructions:

• In a bowl, combine the yoghurt, roasted cumin powder, and salt and whisk until smooth.
• Gently whisk the boondi into the yoghurt mixture.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve immediately or chill for a bit to enable the flavours to combine.

Adjust the ingredients and proportions to your liking, and enjoy these delicious raita recipes directly from India’s kitchens!