Sep 7, 2010

Raita Galore...

Raita is something that i can live on... Honestly during the periods when i go on serious dieting this is one major comfort food that i always count on. I am sharing few of my tried and tested ones and my favourites.


Okra Raita :

Okra - about 10 to 15 cut into small rings
curry leaves a few
green chili cut finely
mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp bengal gram 1 tsp (optional)
Yogurt - 1 cup

Salt to taste.





Method:
1. Wash and wipe the okra dry .
2. Heat oil and add mustard, curry leaves and Bengal gram .


3. Add the okra and gently fry it till it turns little crisp and the ends turn brown.

4.Add salt to taste .

5. Beat curds and mix the cooked okra into the chilled curd and top it with chili powder.

6. Serve chilled.

Verdict : The crunchy okra soaks into the yogurt and the mild spice andcrunchy curry leaves makes an interesting blend of texture and flavour. This is something that you almost want to eat on its own.


Spinach and Dill Raita :

(Taken from Anju Anand's Cook book)



spinach - 75 gms washed

10gm dill sprigs

300 ml yoghurt

salt ,to taste

freshly ground black pepper to taste

3/4th tsp roasted cumin powder



Method :



1. Place the spinach and dill in a saucepan with little water and cook until soft.

2. Drain and squeeze excess water and finely chop to shreds

3. Stir the spinach into the yogurt with salt , pepper and roasted and pounded cumin seeds

4. Serve chilled.


Verdict : Love the blend of flavours from spinach and dill. Can be served as accompaniment with both Indian dishes and even with barbecued chicken and pitta bread.




Beetroot and Mango Raita :

(Adapted from Anjum Anand's New Indian cookbook )

1 small beetroot cooked and cubed

1/2 mango peeled and cubed

200 ml yogurt

1/2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp oil

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 heaped tsp sesame seeds

curry leaves few


Method :
1. Mix together the cooked and cubed beetroot , mango, yogurt, salt and chili powder.
2. Heat the oil in a sauce pan, tilt the pan and hold it in an angle so all the oil collects at the bottom.
3. Add the mustard seeds, sesame and finally curry leaves. When they pop and splutter , quickly pour them over the raita. Mix and serve chill

Verdict : I made two changes from the original recipe. I cooked the beetroot and added mango for a twist. Loved the crunchy sesame and the mildly sour mango along with the gentle sweetness from the beetroot. An amazing recipe from Anjum.






Enjoy!!!











12 comments:

Umm Mymoonah said...

That's a lovely raita, looks so beautiful.

Satya said...

aaaaha somany raitas ,i too love raitas very much ...all r looking awesome n thank q for sharing so many varieties ..yummy

Satya
http://www.superyummyrecipes.com

Unknown said...

wow, really nicely written and presented. I am loving all 3 cups of raitas. Please do send it to many events featuring around these ingredients: 1) Veggie/Fruit A Month - Okra event (on Sumadhura Blog) 2) BSI # 94 - Okra event (on my blog) 3) Healthy Food - Beets event (on my blog).

Namitha said...

Nice collection of raitas...everything looks good..spinach n dill sounds like a wonderful combo

Hayley said...

Hi Nandini
beautiful place with yummy recipes..looks so perfect ! love the clicks..

Priya Suresh said...

Wat a beautiful array of delicious raitas..yumm!

aipi said...

Now I see it :)..I like raitas n I confess all these three are new to me..will definitely try them out:)

US Masala

veena said...

amazing, so many raitas too try out...... lovely clicks

Biren said...

I like raita too and yours look so colorful and inviting.

Pam said...

They look unique and delicious.

Tanvi said...

Hi Nandini..
Liked your blog a lot.Raitha is my all time fav too.But never tried anything beyond boondis and onions.Your recipes are new! M a happy follower nw.
Sinfully Spicy

Sweet Artichoke said...

Yumm! I am a great fan of raitas and your 3 delicious ones will soon be tried! I particularly like the one with beetroots, one of my fav veggie, because of its vibrant colour :-)