A cooling herb yogurt dip or sauce, perfect accompaniment for BBQ and rice dishes!
Looking for a healthier option than Mayo, want to get more yogurt into your diet, how about adding more herbs? This simple beginners Raita recipe can do just that! Raita, is a creamy yogurt dip commonly served with Indian and Mediterranean foods. The yogurt has a cooling effect that pairs well to balance the spiciness of the main dishes like barbecued meats, kabobs as well as rice dishes like biryani. We all know the health benefits of Yogurt’s probiotics, it also acts as a natural aide in digestion, especially after eating such heavy meaty meals.
Yogurt is frequently served on the side in Indian and Mediterranean cuisines. With some simple additions you can easily convert the boring plain yogurt into an interesting salad or dip. Replace your heavy mayo based dips with this healthier option using yogurt as a base instead. Spread this on your burger instead of mayo and add a ton of flavor with less calories. Instead of Ranch dressing, drizzle this on your salad or serve with your vegetable platter. There are many ways to use this simple quick and flavorful option.
Raita is a very versatile and forgiving dish that is easy to make with any combination of ingredients you have on hand. Raita can be made in many variations, but the base ingredient is always yogurt. You can simply add herbs or vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, even red beats for a unique pink color. Some people like the consistency to be more runny while others like it thicker. It is very easy to customize it to your preference. Here is a very simple and quick beginners herb raita recipe ready in under 2 mins!
Makes 1 1/4 cup
Time: 2 minutes
Level of difficulty: Easy
Ingredients:
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh coriander/cilantro
- 1/8 tsp Salt or to taste, can use black salt if available
- 1/8 tsp Chaat Masala
- Optional Milk to thin out consistency
- Optional garnish with ready made store bought Boondi (crunchy fried chick pea flourdots)
Method:
- In a bowl mix all the ingredients to ensure no lumps.
- Optional, add a little bit of milk at a time if you would like a thinner consistency.
- Enjoy!
Tips:
- For an even speedier method, use prepared or store bought Green Chutney (Mint/Coriander), instead of fresh coriander and mint. Add 1 tablespoon of mint chutney and 1 tablespoon of coriander chutney to 1 cup of yogurt along with salt and Chaat Masala.
- The consistency will depend on which yogurt you use. Greek Yogurt is best for a thicker creamy consistency, while low fat yogurt can be used for thinner consistency.
- Can be stored in fridge, will stay good up to the expiration date of the yogurt and milk used.
- See more Raita variations in the salad section.