Palak Raita (Spinach Yogurt Salad)
Refreshing, Nutrient-Packed Side Dish
Palak Raita, also known as Spinach Yogurt Salad, is a nutritious and vibrant dish that combines fresh spinach leaves and smooth yogurt, offering a delightful balance of vitamins, minerals, and protein. This yogurt-based dip, with a hint of cumin and mild spices, is a family favorite that perfectly complements a variety of Indian meals. Whether served as a side dish alongside your main course, paired with parathas, or enjoyed as a light salad, Palak Raita will certainly add a refreshing touch to your table.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 2 cups |
| Spinach Leaves (Palak), finely chopped | 2 cups |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera), roasted | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sugar, optional | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Whole Black Peppercorns, coarsely pounded | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| For Seasoning (Alternative Flavor): | |
| Oil | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai / Kadugu) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
Preparation Time:
- 135 minutes (includes cooling time)
Cook Time:
- 15 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Spinach:
Begin by heating oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add cumin seeds and allow them to crackle, releasing their flavor. Once the cumin seeds are aromatic, add the finely chopped spinach leaves to the pan. Sauté the spinach on high heat until it wilts and most of the water evaporates. Remove from the heat and let the spinach cool completely. -
Whisk the Yogurt Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, roasted cumin powder, red chilli powder, black pepper, and salt. Once the spinach has cooled, fold the spinach mixture into the whisked yogurt until fully combined. -
Refrigerate:
Transfer the prepared raita to a serving dish. To allow the flavors to meld together, refrigerate the raita for at least 2 hours before serving. -
Prepare the Seasoning (Tadka):
For an extra layer of flavor, prepare the seasoning by heating oil in a tadka pan. Add the mustard seeds, urad dal, and curry leaves, allowing them to roast and crackle. Once they are roasted and aromatic, turn off the heat. -
Serve:
Pour the hot seasoning over the chilled Palak Raita just before serving. Serve it as a refreshing side dish with your favorite parathas or alongside a hearty main course for a wholesome, delicious meal.
Enjoy the creamy, spiced goodness of Palak Raita that will undoubtedly elevate your meal with its delightful texture and flavors!
