Carrot Tadka Raita Recipe – A Refreshing Indian Side Dish
Carrot Tadka Raita is a refreshing and nutritious yogurt-based side dish commonly served with Indian meals. This easy-to-make raita is packed with the goodness of carrots, fresh herbs, and a delicious tempering that enhances its flavor. The combination of yogurt, cumin, mint, and black salt brings a cooling effect to balance spicy dishes, making it the perfect accompaniment to your daily meals.
Whether you’re serving it with a spicy curry or enjoying it with simple dal (lentils) and phulka (Indian flatbread), Carrot Tadka Raita adds a delightful, tangy touch that complements a variety of dishes.
Ingredients for Carrot Tadka Raita
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Grated Carrots | 2 medium-sized |
| Fresh Coriander (Cilantro) | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh Mint | 1 tablespoon |
| Black Salt (or Rock Salt) | ½ teaspoon |
| Cumin Powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Green Chili | 1, finely chopped |
| Black Pepper Powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Plain Yogurt (Curd) | 1 cup |
| Oil | ½ teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic | 2 teaspoons, finely chopped |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings
- Servings: 2
Cuisine
- Cuisine: Indian
- Course: Side Dish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Carrot Tadka Raita
-
Prepare the Raita Base:
- Start by placing the yogurt in a mixing bowl.
- Add black salt, cumin powder, black pepper powder, and ¼ cup of water to the yogurt. Stir everything together until the ingredients are well-combined and the mixture is smooth.
-
Add Fresh Ingredients:
- Add freshly chopped green coriander (cilantro), mint leaves, finely chopped green chili, and grated carrots to the yogurt mixture.
- Mix everything well to incorporate the flavors. Let the raita sit and chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes to enhance the flavors.
-
Prepare the Tempering (Tadka):
- Heat ½ teaspoon of oil in a small tempering pan (tadka pan) over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
- Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) and finely chopped garlic to the pan. Cook for a few seconds until the garlic turns light golden brown and releases a fragrant aroma.
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Combine the Tempering with the Raita:
- Pour the hot tempering mixture over the prepared raita. Mix everything together, making sure the garlic and cumin are evenly distributed in the yogurt base.
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Serve:
- The Carrot Tadka Raita is ready to serve! You can pair it with panchmel dal (a mix of lentils), onion bhindi sabzi (okra with onions), and phulka (Indian flatbread) for a wholesome meal.
Tips for the Perfect Carrot Tadka Raita:
- Yogurt Consistency: Make sure the yogurt is fresh and smooth. If it’s too thick, you can add a little water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the raita to chill for 15 minutes before serving helps the flavors to meld and develop.
- Customize Spices: If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add more green chili or even a pinch of red chili powder.
- Storage: This raita is best served fresh. However, you can store it in the refrigerator for a day, but it might lose some of its freshness.
Carrot Tadka Raita is an easy, healthy, and flavorful addition to any meal, especially on hot days when you want something cool and light. Its balance of creamy yogurt, crunchy carrots, and aromatic spices makes it a family favorite.
