published Apr 14, 2023, updated Sep 07, 2023 When it comes to lavish, exotic flavor combinations, Indian Cuisine features some of my very favorites along the Silk Road. If you have enjoyed making spice blends like this Garam Masala and chutneys like this Sweet and Spicy Tomato Chutney, you don’t want to miss today’s recipe for onion raita. This vibrant and versatile yogurt sauce is bright and tangy, cool and creamy, with just the right hint of spicy heat. Try it once and you’ll be hooked!
INGREDIENT NOTES AND SUBSTITUTIONS
Greek Yogurt – Bright and tangy, this adds richness and forms a silky smooth base.Lemon Juice – Offers a snap of acidity and thins the yogurt. Cumin – Smoky, woodsy cumin adds a touch of subtle earthy warmth.Sugar – A dash of sweetness harmonizes and balances the surrounding flavors. Onion – Pungent, snappy, and slightly sweet, red onions infuse the recipe with loads of savory flavor and a splash of color. Chili Peppers – Add a pop of peppery heat and a lovely flash of red. Mint – Brings a fresh, cooling element to the mix. Toppers – For a little extra heat, top off your onion raita with red chili powder or choose Chaat Masala for a brighter, tangier effect.
HOW TO MAKE ONION RAITA
What Do You Eat Onion Raita With?
This tantalizingly tangy condiment goes well with a surprising number of dishes. It has the ability to lighten up heavy dishes or add richness to light ones, all while cooling the palate and aiding digestion. Get creative and see how this dynamically delicious can brighten up your favorite meals! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Serve it with a curry dish like this Indian Chicken Curry or Cauliflower Curry.Enjoy it with fresh vegetables or by itself, as a savory yogurt snack.Have some alongside a fresh batch of Garlic Naan Bread.Pair raita with freshly steamed Jeera Rice and veggies. Use a dollop to dress up your tacos, burgers, wraps, or sandwiches.
Is Raita the Same as Tzatziki?
Raita and tzatziki are both versatile, yogurt based condiments infused with a combination of vegetables, spices, and fresh herbs. While they share a number of similarities, they also have a few important differences.
Origin: Raita recipes, like this onion raita, originate in India. Tzatziki, on the other hand, has origins in Greece. Thickness: Tzatziki is generally made with Greek yogurt and is meant to have a thick consistency. Raita is typically thinner. That’s why, even though this onion raita recipe called for Greek yogurt, we purposely thinned it with lemon juice. Ingredients: Raita is a term encompassing a whole class of yogurt dishes that can have anything from onions to kiwi as the featured fruit or vegetable. Spices vary, almost always including a bit of heat from cumin, chili peppers, and black pepper. The fresh herbs in a raita recipe might be mint, parsley or even cilantro. Tzatziki has a more specific formula and is almost always made with fresh cucumbers, garlic, lemon and dill.
What is Onion Raita Made Of?
Onion raita is a versatile, cool and creamy condiment made from a combination of Greek yogurt, onions, chili peppers, spices and fresh herbs. This onion raita recipe calls for red chilis, cumin, and fresh mint leaves, among other ingredients. Other raita recipes may also include other spices and herbs such as green chilis, black pepper, or fresh coriander leaves.
