What is Raita?
Raita ia a staple in North Indian cuisine. It is a yogurt-based condiment typically infused with spices, herbs, and sometimes sesonal vegetables or fruits. It serves as a cooling counterpart to spicy dishes, providing a refreshing balance to the palate.
Why you should try Beetroot Raita?
The classic combination of cucumber with onion has long been favored, and most commonly found in any Indian restaurants. But when you add roasted beetroot instead, it not only make it look pretty but also adds an earthy sweetness to it. Beyond its stunning magenta hue and earthy flavor, beetroot boasts a plethora of health benefits, including antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Ingredients you need for Beetroot Raita
Beetroot - You can either use raw beetroots, or boil or roast the beetroot. I prefer to roast as it really brings out the flavor and the sweetness of this root vegetable. Thick plain yogurt - Use plain thick yogurt to make raita. You can use homemade yogurt or any good quality Greek yogurt. Salt and Sugar - Basic seasoning with a good balance of salt and sugar is very important for tasty raita. Boondi - Boondi are super tiny pearl size crunchy chickpea fritters that can be found easily in any Indian store. I like to add it in raita for the crunchy bites in between. If you want to add tadka on top Oil - You need a small amount of oil to make the tadka. I like to use vegetable oil. Spices - Black mustard seeds, cumin seeds, dry red chili and asafoetida are the spices I like to use for the tempering.
Steps to prepare Beetroot Raita
1- You can either roast or boil the beetroots. Then grate a small portion of the beetroot to add as garnish on top. 2- Roughly chop the remaining of the beetroot. 3 - Add the chopped beetroot with yogurt in a blender. 4- Add sugar and salt 5- Blend it to a smooth texture. 6- Prepare the tadka by heating a small pan. Then pour the oil along with all the spices for tadka. Let it sizzle for a few seconds. 7- Add the tadka to the beetroot yogurt. 8- Garnish with grated beetroot and some boondi if using. This vibrant beetroot raita not only tastes refreshing, but definitely brings a wow factor with that vibrant shade of pink.
You can serve raita with any of the following dishes
Gobi Mushroom Matar Pulao Kala Chana Pulao Mooli Paratha Dal Paratha Paneer Paratha
