Peanut Raita Recipe – A Refreshing Indian Side Dish with Boiled Peanuts
Peanut Raita is a delightful Indian side dish that combines the creamy richness of curd (yogurt) with the crunch of boiled peanuts, offering a refreshing and tangy contrast to spicy meals. The delicate flavor of cumin powder, the heat of black pepper, and the freshness of mint and coriander leaves create a perfect balance, making this raita an ideal accompaniment for any Indian meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside a flavorful biryani or crispy fritters, Peanut Raita brings a cool and soothing element to the dish, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Serves: 4-6 people
Ingredients for Peanut Raita
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Curd (Yogurt) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Water | 1/3 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1 tsp |
| Cumin Powder | 1 tsp |
| Peanuts (boiled) | 1 cup |
| Mint Leaves (chopped) | 2 sprigs |
| Coriander Leaves (chopped) | 2 sprigs |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100-120 kcal |
| Protein | 5-6g |
| Carbohydrates | 6-8g |
| Fat | 6-8g |
| Fiber | 1-2g |
| Sodium | Varies with salt |
Instructions to Make Peanut Raita
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Cook the Peanuts:
- To begin making Peanut Raita, place 1 cup of raw peanuts into a pressure cooker. Add 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt.
- Close the pressure cooker and cook on medium heat until you hear 3 whistles.
- Let the pressure release naturally before opening the lid.
- Once the pressure is released, drain the peanuts and set them aside to cool down.
-
-
Prepare the Raita Base:
- In a mixing bowl, add 1 1/2 cups of curd (yogurt).
- Beat the curd until smooth and creamy. Add 1/3 cup of water to the curd to achieve a slightly thinner consistency.
- Season the curd with salt to taste. Then, add 1 tsp of black pepper powder and 1 tsp of cumin powder. Mix everything well until all the spices are fully incorporated.
-
Add the Boiled Peanuts:
- Once the peanuts have cooled down, add them to the curd mixture.
- Gently stir the peanuts into the curd mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
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Finish with Fresh Herbs:
- Finally, add 2 sprigs of chopped mint leaves and 2 sprigs of chopped coriander leaves for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Mix well until the herbs are evenly spread through the raita.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Your Peanut Raita is now ready to be served! For a complete meal, pair it with dishes like Chettinad Mint Potato Biryani or Spinach Pakodas for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Tips & Variations:
- Peanut Variety: You can use raw or roasted peanuts for this recipe. Roasting them beforehand gives a deeper flavor.
- Texture: For an even smoother texture, you can lightly mash the peanuts before adding them to the raita.
- Serving Suggestions: Peanut Raita pairs exceptionally well with biryanis, pilafs, or spicy curries. It also makes a perfect side dish to serve with a variety of flatbreads like naan or paratha.
- Extra Flavor: If you prefer a tangier flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice to the raita.
Why You’ll Love Peanut Raita
- Cooling Effect: With the combination of yogurt and mint, this raita serves as the perfect cooling element, balancing out any spicy or rich dishes.
- Crunchy Texture: The addition of boiled peanuts gives the raita a satisfying crunch, making it more exciting than the traditional yogurt-based raitas.
- Quick and Easy: This Peanut Raita comes together in just 10 minutes and requires no cooking time, making it a quick and easy side dish for busy weeknights or gatherings.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein from peanuts and probiotics from curd, Peanut Raita is both healthy and delicious.
Suggested Pairings:
- Main Course: Serve this raita alongside Chettinad Mint Potato Biryani for a fragrant, spice-laden meal or with Spinach Pakodas for a crispy, savory snack.
- Other Side Dishes: Pair it with Aloo Gobi, Paneer Tikka, or Chole Bhature for a delightful spread.
Enjoy the cool, creamy goodness of Peanut Raita and elevate your Indian meal experience with this easy-to-make, flavor-packed dish!
