Palak Raita: A Refreshing Spinach Yogurt Delight
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Category: One-Dish Meal
Recipe Yield: 2 Spoons
Servings: 1
Description
This Palak Raita recipe is a perfect balance of creamy yogurt, fresh spinach, and aromatic spices, making it an ideal side dish or light main for any meal. It’s quick, easy to make, and offers a refreshing twist on traditional Indian yogurt-based dishes. Whether served as a refreshing accompaniment to your favorite Indian bread or enjoyed alongside a plate of boiled rice, this vibrant dish promises to elevate any meal. Perfect for anyone looking to explore Indian flavors or simply wanting a healthy, vegetable-packed side.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yogurt | 1/2 cup |
| Spinach | 3/4 cup |
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Red chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Dill | 1 1/2 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Cumin | 1 tsp |
| Green chili | 1 |
| Garlic cloves | 2 |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 641.3 kcal |
| Fat Content | 44.9 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 14.2 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 65 mg |
| Sodium Content | 306.4 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 43.4 g |
| Fiber Content | 4.5 g |
| Sugar Content | 30.7 g |
| Protein Content | 21.4 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Yogurt Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth and creamy. Once the yogurt reaches a silky consistency, add the pureed spinach, red chili powder, finely chopped onion, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined, and the yogurt takes on a light green hue from the spinach. -
Add Fresh Dill
Gently fold in the chopped dill to the yogurt and spinach mixture, allowing the delicate herby flavor to infuse into the raita. The dill adds a fresh, aromatic touch that balances the earthiness of the spinach. -
Tempering the Spices
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a small pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds and allow them to sizzle for a few seconds. Then, add the chopped green chili and garlic cloves to the pan. Sautรฉ everything until the garlic turns golden and fragrant, which should take about 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can impart a bitter flavor. -
Combine the Tempering with the Yogurt Mixture
Once the tempering (spices and garlic) is ready, carefully pour the hot mixture over the prepared yogurt and spinach mixture. The heat will release the aromas and intensify the flavors, creating a deliciously fragrant raita. -
Serve
Stir everything well to incorporate the tempering into the raita. The dish is now ready to serve. Palak Raita can be enjoyed as a cooling side dish with hot and spicy curries, paired with boiled rice, or scooped up with warm chapatis (Indian bread). Itโs a wonderful addition to any meal, offering a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Palak Raita pairs wonderfully with spicy dishes like Paneer Tikka or Tandoori Chicken, providing a cooling contrast to the heat. It also works beautifully alongside grilled meats or a simple vegetable curry. For a lighter meal, serve it with a fresh salad or as a dip with crispy papadums.
Quick Tips
- Spinach Tip: You can use either fresh or frozen spinach for this recipe. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is fully thawed and excess water is squeezed out before use.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of green chili and red chili powder to suit your taste preference. For a milder version, you can omit the green chili and reduce the chili powder.
- Herb Variations: If you donโt have fresh dill, you can substitute with fresh coriander (cilantro) or mint for a different flavor profile.
Why Youโll Love Palak Raita
Not only does this Palak Raita bring the goodness of spinach, which is rich in iron and vitamins, but it also packs a punch of flavor with minimal effort. Whether you are trying to sneak in more greens into your diet or simply craving a refreshing, cooling side dish to balance out a spicy curry, this dish fits the bill perfectly. It’s nutritious, easy to prepare, and the perfect addition to any Indian-inspired meal.
Enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish, and elevate your everyday meals with the freshness of spinach and yogurt.
