Onion Raita Recipe: A Cool & Refreshing Side Dish
Onion Raita is a refreshing and simple Indian side dish that beautifully balances the crunch of thinly sliced onions with the creamy smoothness of yogurt. A touch of cumin powder (jeera), green chilies, and aromatic fresh herbs like mint and coriander leaves adds a delightful flavor profile, making this raita an ideal accompaniment to various Indian dishes, from spicy biryanis to comforting dal-roti. Whether you’re preparing a grand feast or a simple meal, this easy-to-make raita brings a cooling contrast to the heat of spicy foods.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Serving: 4 servings
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1 cup |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Onion | 1, thinly sliced |
| Green Chilli | 1, finely chopped |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 2 sprigs, finely chopped |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina) | 2 sprigs, finely chopped |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions
-
Prep the Ingredients:
Start by slicing the onion thinly. Then, finely chop the green chili, mint leaves, and coriander leaves. Set them aside for later. -
-
Prepare the Raita Base:
In a mixing bowl, add the yogurt (curd), salt, and cumin powder (jeera). Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined. -
Adjust Consistency:
Gradually add water to the yogurt mixture to achieve your preferred consistency. Stir well to incorporate the water into the yogurt. -
Combine All Ingredients:
To the yogurt mixture, add the sliced onions, chopped green chilies, mint leaves, and coriander leaves. Mix everything together gently, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed in the yogurt base. -
Serve:
Transfer the prepared Onion Raita into a serving bowl. You can serve this raita immediately, or chill it in the refrigerator for a refreshing cold dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Onion Raita is the perfect side dish to serve with a variety of Indian meals. Its cool and creamy nature complements spicy or rich dishes exceptionally well. Consider pairing it with dishes like:
- Ambur Star Chicken Biryani
- Chettinad Mint Potato Biryani
- Mirchi Ka Salan
This raita also works wonderfully as a dip for crunchy snacks or as a cooling accompaniment to a hearty Indian meal.
Tips for Perfect Onion Raita:
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder raita, you can omit the green chili or reduce the quantity to suit your taste.
- Chilled Raita: For a refreshing cold raita, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before serving.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Feel free to experiment with additional herbs like cilantro (coriander) to enhance the flavor further.
- Customize the Yogurt: For a thicker raita, use hung yogurt or Greek yogurt to create a richer texture.
This Onion Raita is not only quick and easy to make, but it also brings a delightful balance of flavors to your meal. With the coolness of yogurt and the zest of fresh herbs, it’s a must-try side dish that complements a wide range of Indian culinary delights.
