Raita ka Rahasya - 3 unique raitas to try this summer

What is paratha without pickles!

What is idli without sambar! And

How can there be biryani/pulao without raita?

When you dig your hand in biryani and take that bite, your mouth can sense multiple pataka of flavour explosion. But the one that lingers in the mouth is the spiciness of the chillies and garam masala.

Your mouth is on fire, your nose and eyes start watering…

Guess who comes to your rescue? The humble RAITA!

Just a spoonful of raita and the whole spice level comes down to tolerable limits. You have a sense of gratitude when you prepare to dig into that biryani once again, mindful of mixing raita with it before taking the next bite!

Raita is an important accompaniment to any meal. It not only adds that freshness of curd but also the crunch of vegetables along with it. Nutritionally, it provides the necessary probiotics and prebiotics required by our gut for proper digestion of food.

Here are the recipes of three unique raitas which can add variety and nutrition to your meals.

Sweet potato raita 

Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A, C and fibre. Combining it with curd and spices makes it one of the most nutritious and tasty raita to be had as an accompaniment.

Ingredients:

• Sweet potato - 1 medium
• Curd - 200ml
• Roasted cumin powder - 1 tsp
• Red chilli powder - ½ tsp
• Himalayan pink salt
• Coriander leaves, chopped - 1 tbsp

For tempering:

• Oil - 1 tsp
• Mustard seeds - ¼ tsp
• Curry leaves - few
• Green chillies - 1-2
• Grated ginger - ½ tsp

Procedure:

1. Wash and cook the whole sweet potato with skin till soft but still firm
2. Cool, peel the skin and grate it to get coarse pieces or alternatively, cut into smaller cubes.
3. Mix the grated sweet potato with beaten curd. Add salt, cumin powder and red chilli powder to it.
4. Prepare the seasoning, add the tadka to the raita. Garnish with coriander leaves
5. Serve it chilled with pulao/biryani.

Amla ka raita

Low on immunity? This raita is perfect to boost your immune system. Amla, rich in vitamin C paired with probiotic like curd can keep the digestion and immunity both going strong. Sattu ka spicy paratha + tomato chutney + Amla raita - heavenly combo!!! 

Ingredients:

• Indian gooseberry - 3-4
• Curd - 200ml
• Fresh coconut - ¼ cup
• Himalayan pink salt
• Green chillies - 1-2
• Cucumber, grated - 1 small
• Coriander leaves, chopped - 1 tbsp

For tempering:

• Oil - 1 tsp
• Mustard seeds - ¼ tsp
• Curry leaves - few
• Red chillies - 1

Procedure:

1. Grind amla, green chillies, coconut and salt to a coarse mixture.
2. Peel and grate cucumber, keep it aside
3. Beat the curd well to remove lumps
4. Add the amla mixture, grated cucumber.
5. Prepare the seasoning and add it over the raita. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves. Serve chilled

Ajwain leaves raita

A raita with hatke flavour. Another nutritious find with loads of health benefits. Ajwain leaves are known for reducing skin allergies, fighting colds and cough due to seasonal variations. Also used to treat intestinal worms, headaches etc. Need any more reason to make this raita?

Ingredients:

• Ajwain leaves - 8-10
• Curd - 200ml
• Fresh coconut - ¼ cup
• Himalayan pink salt
• Green chillies - 1-2
• Jeera - 1 tsp
• Hing - a pinch

Procedure:

1. In a small kadai, heat a tsp of oil, add jeera, green chillies and hing. Wash and chop the ajwain leaves. Add to the tadka and fry for 1-2 min till the leaves wilt. Switch off the gas.
2. Allow the mixture to cool and grind it along with coconut. 
3. Add the ground mixture to beaten curd, add salt to taste and serve immediately. 
4. Seasoning with mustard and curry leaves can be done but it is optional.
5. Serve with pulao/paratha/with dal chawal.