Cilantro Mint Raita Recipes

RAITA RECIPE WITH 12 VARIATIONS

Steps:

• Chill the yogurt. Rinse & chop the onions & green chilies. Rinse & peel the cucumbers. If needed deseed them & chop to bite sizes.
• Rinse coriander leaves in ample amount of water. Drain completely and chop them fine.
• Optional - Roast 1 tsp cumin seeds on a low flame until it smells good. Cool this and crush them to fine powder in a spice jar.
• Add curd and salt to a mixing bowl. Whisk them until smooth with a fork or a whisk.
• Next add chopped cucumbers, onions, cumin powder, coriander leaves and green chilies.
• Stir gently. If required add more yogurt. Taste test and add more salt if required.
• Garnish with cumin powder on top. Serve raita with biryani, pulao, kebabs or paratha.

10-MINUTE MINT RAITA (RESTAURANT-STYLE)

Steps:

• Optional - Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and toast, stirring and shaking the skillet often, for 1-2 minutes. The seeds will deepen in color and become highly aromatic. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Then use a mortar and pestle to grind to a powder. Set aside.
• Add the cilantro leaves, mint leaves, Serrano, garlic clove, ground cumin, salt, lemon juice, and 2 tbsp water into a (preferably small) blender. Blend, scraping down the spice grinder/blender as needed, until it reaches a fine consistency. If needed, add another tablespoon or two of water to make it easier to blend. It should become a runny paste, with the leaves no longer visible.
• In a small bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth and no longer grainy. Stir in the crushed green paste. Taste and add salt or more lemon juice, if desired. For a thinner, restaurant-like consistency, add ½-1 tbsp of water. See notes for how to store.

CILANTRO-AND-MINT SALAD

Steps:

• Wash the herbs and greens. Fill a large bowl or clean sink with cold water, and add the leaves. Swish them around to loosen dirt, then gently lift out and dry in a salad spinner or on clean kitchen towels. (You can do this up to a day ahead, refrigerating the dry leaves in sealed plastic bags or containers with a paper towel to absorb excess water.)
• When ready to serve, whisk together the salt, pepper, red-pepper flakes, lime juice and olive oil in a small bowl, then check the seasonings. Put the leaves in a large bowl, drizzle the dressing over them and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.

TOMATO-MINT RAITA

Steps:

• Combine mint leaves, cilantro leaves, and green chile in a mini food processor. Pulse until blended, adding a bit of water to create a paste. Pour into a bowl and add dahi, mixing until fully incorporated.
• Cut tomatoes in half and remove the seeds. Dice tomatoes and add to dahi. Season with ground cumin and ground coriander. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

RAITA RECIPE

Steps:

• Place all ingredients in a bowl and stir.
• Refrigerate until ready to serve.

CUCUMBER AND CILANTRO RAITA

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, combine yogurt and salt. Mix well. Add scallion, cucumber and cilantro. Mix again, and transfer to a small serving bowl.

CILANTRO-MINT RAITA

Steps:

• Puree the yogurt, grated cucumber, mint, and cilantro in a food processor until the mint and cilantro are finely chopped. Add the cumin, salt, and pepper; pulse several times to incorporate. Transfer the raita to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap; store in refrigerator to allow the flavors to blend, at least 1 hour. Serve chilled.