Raita is a curd/dahi-based dish that originated in the Indian subcontinent. Served as a condiment with the main course, this side dish is seasoned with salt and a blend of spices (raita masala) that elevate its flavors. There is a diverse range of traditional raita dishes.
The curd is often combined with various raw vegetables, fruits, and savory snacks to create this delightful side dish. While raita is enjoyed with everyday meals, it is particularly well-suited to accompany spicy food, rice pulao and biryani dishes, both vegetarian and meat-based. Its cooling properties make it a gut-friendly option, especially during the Indian summer.
I have tried to share the recipes of commonly prepared and much loved raita dishes in our homes. Each recipe is written with easy step-by-step and clear images, hoping to persuade my readers to try these delectable Indian Dips
13- PALAK RAITA/SPINACH RAITA/PALAK DAHI TADKA
Palak raita is a blend of cooked spinach and seasoned curd/dahi. A tadka or tempering is added to lift the flavours. This winter special spinach/palak raita is simply a bowl of nutrition. A must try raita this season
Both cucumber and carrots not only add colors but also nutritional value to the tasty cucumber carrot raita. A spice mix prepared with roasted cumin and dried mint leaves (pudina-bhuna jeera masala) makes it gut-friendly
This vegetable raita has all the veggies known for their cooling effects in summer like cucumber, onions, tomatoes, and fresh herbs like mint etc. This vibrant raita works as an appetizer that is very healthy and delicious as well
10 – BOONDI RAITA/CLASSIC BOONDI KA RAITA
Packed with savoury snacks, this raita is very complete in itself with soaked boondi, crunchy boondi, some greens(mint or coriander) and a few delightful spices (pudina-bhuna jeera masala)that are gut friendly.
9 – BHINDI RAITA /OKRA RAITA /RAITA WITH TOASTED LADYFINGER
A unique raita from South Indian cuisene is prepared with everyone’s favourite bhindi/okra/ladyfinger. Nicely toasted bhindi is added to the seasoned curd with a satisfying tadka of mild spices is given to complete a flavorsome package
8 – CUCUMBER-TOMATO RAITA /KHEERA-TAMATAR RAITA
Cucumber-Tomato Raita is perfect for the summer season. This raita feels fresh and light, which works as an appetizer to have at lunch
7 – GHIYA RAITA/LOUKI RAITA /HOW TO MAKE RAITA WITH BOTTLEGOURD
The healthiest raita with steamed bottle gourd and curd, that is not only gut-friendly but also has all the goodness of this wonderful gourd
6 – ONION-TOMATO RAITA /PYAZ-TAMATAR KA RAITA
The bliss of relishing chilled onion-tomato raita on a sultry summer day is inexplicable. Easy to make, this raita needs no cooking
5 – ALOO KA RAITA / A CLASSIC AND TRADITIONAL ALOO RAITA FROM PUNJABI CUISINE
In this authentic aloo raita dish, boiled potato cubes are added to the curd with pomegranate kernels, pudina(mint), and roasted jeera(cumin) that work wonderfully to elevate the flavors. A must try
4 – CUCUMBER RAITA/KHEERA RAITA
This cucumber raita is one of the easiest, tastiest, and healthiest versions of curd-based side dishes. This raita is very perfect for Indian summer that saves you from the bad effects of scorching heat
3 – MOONGRE KA RAITA /A UNIQUE RAITA WITH MOONG DAL FRITTERS
When discussing a unique variation of raita with a savory snack, moongra raita is one of them. Moongra is are deep-fried small fritters made with fermented moong dal batter. This moongra gives a nice crunch to the raita. Hope, you would definitely love this raita. A must try
2 – CARROT RAITA /CARROT RAITA WITH NUTS TADKA
A pleasant, sweet taste, vibrant, and healthy carrot raita is prepared with red carrots and thick curd. A rich tadka/tempering of nuts makes it shahi or royal with awesome taste and looks
1 – BATHUA RAITA /A DELICIOUS AND HEALTHY RAITA WITH CHENOPODIUM LEAVES
Green leafy vegetables are an excellent choice to combine with dahi to make raita dishes. Healthy Chenopodium (bathua) leaves are blanched and added to the whisked curd to make this vibrant raita that is suitable to eat during the winter season
● A FEW MORE CURD-BASED SIDE DISHES
1-DAHI BHALLE/PUNJABI STYLE DAHI VADA
