Pumpkin Raita (Recipe in English)
Overview:
Pumpkin Raita is a refreshing and healthy Indian side dish made with grated pumpkin and yogurt. The delicate sweetness of cooked pumpkin combines perfectly with the tangy yogurt and the subtle flavors of spices like cumin and red chili powder. This dish is easy to prepare and makes a perfect accompaniment to main meals like roti (flatbreads) or rice.
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Grated pumpkin (peeled) | 200 grams |
| Yogurt (curd) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Red chili powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Green chili (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Fresh coriander (finely chopped) | A little (for garnish) |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions
-
Cook the Pumpkin:
- Heat a little oil in a pan or wok (kadhai) over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the grated pumpkin and a pinch of salt.
- Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pumpkin softens slightly but still retains some texture.
- Once cooked, remove the pumpkin from the heat and transfer it to a bowl to cool slightly.
-
-
Prepare the Raita:
- In a separate bowl, add the yogurt (curd), salt, red chili powder, cumin powder, finely chopped green chili, and chopped coriander leaves.
- Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
-
Combine and Serve:
- Add the slightly cooled cooked pumpkin into the yogurt mixture.
- Stir gently to mix the pumpkin and yogurt together, ensuring it’s evenly coated with the spices.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with a little more fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve the pumpkin raita chilled or at room temperature as a side dish with phulka (Indian flatbreads) or with rice dishes like Sew Tomato Sabzi (vegetable).
Tips:
- You can adjust the level of spiciness in the raita by adding more or less green chili and red chili powder, according to your preference.
- If you want a smoother texture, you can blend the cooked pumpkin before mixing it with the yogurt.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of roasted cumin powder or black salt to the raita.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
This Pumpkin Raita is a delightful combination of health and taste, offering a refreshing break from spicy or heavy dishes. It’s also a great way to include more vegetables in your diet while enjoying traditional Indian flavors. Perfect for a light side dish, especially during festive meals or as part of a wholesome lunch or dinner!
