Papad Raita Recipe: A Creamy, Crunchy Delight
Papad Raita is a delightful and refreshing Indian side dish that brings together the creaminess of yogurt with the crispy crunch of papads, making it the perfect accompaniment to a variety of rice dishes or curries. Ideal for warm weather or casual weeknight meals, this dish combines the light flavors of cumin and paprika with the zing of rock salt and the freshness of coriander leaves. Whether you’re serving it alongside a spicy biryani or a simple pulao, Papad Raita offers a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) – well beaten | 500 ml |
| Papad (preferably masala papad) | 2 to 3 pieces |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | ½ teaspoon |
| Paprika powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Fresh coriander (Dhania) leaves – finely chopped | 2 sprigs |
| Rock Salt (to taste) | As per preference |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Roast the Papads
Begin by roasting the papads until they become crispy. You can either use a stove top or microwave for this. If using a stove, hold the papad with tongs and roast it directly over the flame, turning it occasionally to ensure it gets evenly crisped. If using the microwave, place the papads on a microwave-safe plate and microwave them for about 30 seconds, or until they are crisp. -
-
Prepare the Yogurt Base
In a large mixing bowl, pour the well-beaten curd (yogurt). Whisk it thoroughly until the yogurt becomes smooth and creamy. This will form the base of your raita. -
Add the Spices
To the whisked yogurt, add the cumin powder, paprika powder, and rock salt to taste. Mix everything well to ensure the spices are evenly incorporated into the yogurt. -
Chill the Raita
After mixing, cover the bowl and refrigerate the raita for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the flavors to meld together, making the raita even more delicious. -
Serve
Just before serving, crush the roasted papads roughly into bite-sized pieces and add them to the yogurt mixture. Toss in the finely chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness and color. Mix well and adjust the seasoning if necessary. -
Pair and Enjoy
Serve the Papad Raita alongside your favorite rice dishes, like Chana Pulao or any other flavorful pulao, for a simple yet satisfying meal. It also works wonderfully as a side dish to complement a variety of Indian curries.
Tips for the Best Papad Raita
- Papad Choice: Masala papads work best for this raita because they bring an extra layer of flavor. However, plain papads can also be used if you prefer a milder taste.
- Yogurt Consistency: Be sure to use smooth, well-beaten yogurt for a creamy raita. You can even use hung yogurt or Greek yogurt for a thicker consistency.
- Freshness: Adding fresh coriander just before serving ensures it remains vibrant and aromatic.
This Papad Raita Recipe is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying side dish that can elevate any Indian meal. The crunchy papad combined with the cool and creamy yogurt makes for an irresistible combination. Whether you serve it with biryani, pulao, or a simple curry, Papad Raita is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
