Navaratan Raita: A Colorful and Flavorful Indian Delight
Navaratan Raita is a delightful, flavorful, and refreshing Indian side dish that combines the goodness of fresh vegetables, fruits, and yogurt. With a unique blend of savory and sweet flavors, it’s the perfect accompaniment to any meal, especially during the warm summer months. The addition of fresh fruits like pineapple and apple gives it a tangy sweetness, while the mix of spices and creamy yogurt brings balance and depth of flavor. This simple yet indulgent dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect option for those looking for a light, cooling dish to complement their meal.
Recipe Overview:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Cuisine: Indian
- Course: Side Dish
- Category: Fruit, Vegetable, Summer
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Plain yogurt | 2 cups |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup |
| Tomatoes | 1 1/2 cups, chopped |
| Onions | 1, finely chopped |
| Fresh ginger | 2 tsp, grated |
| Raisins | 1/4 cup |
| Cashews | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Green chilies | 1, finely chopped |
| Fresh coriander leaves | 1 tbsp, chopped |
| Pineapple | 1 cup, chopped |
| Apple | 1, peeled and chopped |
| Red chili powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Cumin powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Garam masala powder | 1/2 tsp |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 133 kcal |
| Fat Content | 5.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 16.7 mg |
| Sodium | 145.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 16.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g |
| Sugars | 10.8 g |
| Protein | 6.2 g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Vegetables and Fruits:
Begin by boiling 2 cups of water in a medium-sized pot. Once it comes to a boil, add the diced vegetables (like carrots, peas, or potatoes) along with a pinch of salt. Cook the vegetables until they are tender, then remove them from the heat and set them aside to cool. -
Sauté the Onions and Tomatoes:
In a separate pan, heat 1 teaspoon of oil. Add the finely chopped onions and tomatoes and sauté them for a few minutes until they soften and release their natural juices. Set aside to cool. -
Prepare the Yogurt Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of plain yogurt with 1 cup of buttermilk. Stir well to create a smooth, creamy mixture. Keep this aside for later. -
Make the Ground Paste:
In a blender or food processor, combine the grated fresh ginger, chopped green chilies, fresh coriander leaves, raisins, chopped cashews, boiled vegetables, pineapple, and apple. Grind them together into a smooth paste, keeping a little texture for added bite. -
Combine the Ingredients:
Now, take the buttermilk-yogurt mixture and add the sautéed onions and tomatoes. Mix in the freshly ground paste of vegetables and fruits, along with 1 tablespoon of fresh cream (if desired). Stir everything together until it is evenly combined. -
Add Spices:
Season the raita with salt to taste. Sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon each of red chili powder and cumin powder, followed by 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala powder. Stir the mixture again to ensure that the spices are well distributed. -
Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the Navaratan Raita into a serving bowl and garnish with a sprinkle of chili powder, cumin powder, and a touch of garam masala for a burst of color and flavor. Serve it chilled for the best experience.
Tips and Variations:
- Add More Fruits: Feel free to add other fruits like grapes, pomegranate seeds, or papaya for an extra burst of flavor and color.
- Adjust the Spices: You can adjust the heat by adding more or less green chilies depending on your preference.
- Make It Vegan: For a vegan version, substitute plain yogurt and buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt or almond milk-based yogurt.
Why You’ll Love This Navaratan Raita:
This Navaratan Raita is an explosion of flavors—sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy—all in one dish. It’s a great way to use fresh fruits and vegetables in your meal while providing a cooling effect to balance out spicy Indian dishes like curries and biryanis. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or a summer barbecue, this raita is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy enough to make, even for beginner cooks, and takes just 15 minutes to prepare.
Perfect Pairings:
- Serve this raita alongside rich curries like Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, or a hearty Vegetable Biryani.
- It also makes an excellent dip for naan bread or vegetable fritters like Pakoras.
- Enjoy it as a refreshing side dish for any summer meal or BBQ.
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Navaratan Raita—perfect for every occasion!
This Navaratan Raita recipe from lovewithrecipes.com brings you the authentic taste of Indian cuisine with a mix of fresh fruits and vegetables. Whether you’re looking for a healthy addition to your meal or simply craving a cooling side dish, this recipe is sure to delight.
