If you’re looking for a classic Indian side dish, then you should look no further than raita. This delicious, easy-to-make and versatile dish is beloved in Indian cuisine and is made from a base of yogurt.
This dish includes dahi, also known as Indian yogurt or curd, as the base, which is combined with various spices and other ingredients such as raw or cooked fruits and vegetables or boondi.
As dahi is a very versatile ingredient, raita is a very versatile and adaptable dish. By integrating different ingredient combinations, you can adjust the taste, texture and flavor of raita to accompany whatever you’re serving it alongside.
Some of the most popular main dishes in Indian cuisine to serve raita with include parathas, pulao and biryani.
In addition to the amazing flavor and versatility, raita is also a very healthy side dish because of all the ingredients included.
Let’s take a closer look at raita, including how to make this perfect side dish, below.
Benefits of Using Dahi in Raita
As mentioned, the main ingredient for raita is dahi. This traditional Indian yogurt contains live bacteria, or probiotics, which are very beneficial for attaining and maintaining good gut health.
In addition to the probiotics it contains, dahi is also a good source of calcium and protein, while also being low in fat and calories. All of this make it a healthy choice for a variety of dishes — or to eat plain or with a few simple additives.
In raita, dahi adds a very unique texture and flavor that would be quite hard to replicate with regular store-bought yogurt.
Choosing the Right Yogurt for Raita
Choosing the perfect yogurt for raita is key to a successful end product. If you don’t have access to purchase dahi at a store, you can always make it at home yourself.
While this might seem like a daunting task, it’s a lot easier than you think. Make sure that if you’re going to make it at home, you use either cow’s milk or buffalo milk.
Whole milk is also the preferred option. Whenever possible, you should avoid using non-fat or low-fat yogurt, as neither will provide the flavor or creaminess that’s desired in the raita.
You could always opt for Greek yogurt as a substitute, though it’s important to note that it might not contain the same probiotic benefits as dahi.
Essential Ingredients for Raita
While dahi or yogurt serve as the base ingredient for raita, there are many different flavors and textures to layer in. Some of the most common spices that are used in raita are chaat masala, chili powder and cumin powder.
If you want extra heat and flavor, you can even add green chillies.
You can achieve different variations of raita based on what you are serving it alongside by adding in things such as fruits and vegetables — raw or cooked — boondi or nuts.
How to Make Raita
As mentioned before, if you can’t find dahi in a local store, try making it yourself at home. While you can certainly use Greek yogurt as a substitute, the best end-product will come from traditional dahi.
Next, mix your dahi with whatever other ingredients you choose — whether that be boondi, fruits, vegetables or nuts and a variety of different herbs and spices. You should consider what you’re serving with your raita to help you determine what you want to add to it.
Taste the raita once you mix it together and adjust the flavor and consistency to your liking. Don’t forget to refrigerate the dish for at least 30 minutes before serving, as this will allow the flavors to meld properly.
Boondi Raita Recipe
There are many different variations of raita, and boondi raita is one of the most popular. It’s made using boondi, which are fried gram balls.
To make this variation, first soak the boondi in either hot water or hot milk for five to 10 minutes. This will make it soft and pliable.
Next, mix it with dahi, chaat masala, chili powder and cumin powder. To add a freshness both in look and flavor, add chopped mint leaves or cilantro at the end.
Tips for Customizing Your Raita
Like most Indian dishes, raita is something that you should experiment with to create something that caters to your palate and liking. By using different herbs and spices, you can create unique flavor profiles for whatever else you’re serving it with.
You can substitute or add different ingredients such as raw fruits, vegetables and nuts, or even cook them (or toast them) first.
If you want to achieve a different texture and flavor profile altogether, you can play with different types of yogurt or even milk to make your dahi.
You can add more or less chili powder to adjust the level of heat to your liking and so that it perfectly complements the dish you’re serving it with.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are some tips you should follow so you can avoid common mistakes with raita. First, make sure that you aren’t using expired yogurt, and always choose a high-quality product.
Next, make sure not to over-mix the raita, as that can make it too thin or too thick. Then, adjust the flavor and consistency to your liking so you can enjoy it.
Finally, one of the most common mistakes people make is not refrigerating the raita long enough. Remember, this allows the flavors to meld, so ensure you are leaving enough time for it to sit and chill before you serve it.
Serving Suggestions
Raita is very versatile and can be served as a side dish alongside Indian main dishes such as parathas, pulao or biryani. You can use it as a topping for dishes such as hyderabadi biryani or aloo paratha.
It also doesn’t have to be complicated. Since it’s so flavorful and delicious, you can serve raita as an appetizer or snack with just some chips, crackers or raw vegetables for dipping.
Storage and Shelf Life
Once it’s prepared, you can store raita in the refrigerator for as much as two days — though since it’s so delicious, it probably won’t last that long!
Make sure that you keep it away from heat and direct sunlight, which could quickly spoil it. It’s also possible to freeze raita for up to a month, but keep in mind that it might lose some of that desired flavor and texture when you thaw it out.
Try Making Raita at Home and Experiment with Different Combinations
Making the perfect raita with traditional dahi is both simple and easy. You can make both of these dishes at home without much effort.
The great part about the dish is that you can experiment with different spices, herbs and other ingredients to achieve a unique flavor profile that’s to your liking. Once you’ve come up with what you feel is the perfect combination, rate and review your recipe so that others can try it, too.
Then, serve your raita as a side dish or snack to your friends, family members and guests to add a delicious and healthy touch to your meals.
