A quick and easy recipe for “Raita”. Chances are, if you have eaten Indian food, you have come across this. Or something similar in the form of Tzatiki if you like Mediterranean food.
Indian food is often times loaded with spices, and A Raita helps neutralize the heat and helps prevent acidity and other troubles to your digestion if you are not used to eating hot and spicy food.
A Raita is a savory yogurt side/accompaniment prepared with salt, cumin, herbs, and really everything goes. I like to prepare mine with cucumber, cilantro, and mint if I have the ingredients. If not, I make it with tomato, or grated carrot, beet, steamed zucchini, Pomegranate seeds, Pineapple.
Ingredients and Method to Prepare:
1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt, 1 cup peeled and grated cucumber, 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh mint, 2 Tbsp finely chopped cilantro, Juice from half a Lemon, Salt, and pepper to taste, 1 tsp cumin powder, (optional) 1/2 tsp sugar.
Mix everything well and serve. Could it get any simpler?
If you want to make Tzatiki, use the thicker Greek Yogurt and also add some crushed garlic to the above recipe for raita.
What else can you do with Raita?
Besides using Raita as a side to Indian food like Biryani, or curry and Naan, or this Roasted Chicken. You can also use Raita to dip grilled or roasted vegetables or a vegetable platter. Or as a spread for sandwiches and wraps instead of mayonnaise. Try using it as a salad dressing instead of Ranch.
I am not playing doctor. Any advice you read on this blog cannot be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are experiencing a health condition please reach out to a qualified healthcare professional. I repeat, do not use this blog as medical advice to treat yourself or others.
Raita or Yogurt as a Probiotic
Yogurt is formed by fermentation of Lactic Acid in the milk by the 2 famous bacteria, called Lactobacillus and Streptococcus. Also commonly known as Probiotics, or living micro organisms with tremendous health benefits.
For many many years, Indians, the Mediterranean’s and other ancient cultures have been using Yogurt with a meal. And for a good reason. According to one study, the “Good” Bacteria present in Yogurt helps improve overall digestive health. Yogurt alleviates constipation and diarrhea or food poisoning. Probiotics in the Yogurt help treat lactose intolerance, colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, Helicobacter pylori infection, and Food Allergies.
Beside this, the protein content of yogurt is generally higher than the milk, and digestibility is much better as compared to the milk protein as well. Yogurt also has a higher concentration of CLA. CLA is believed to suppress the growth of cancerous tumors. Oh and do not forget the Calcium and Phosphorus content of Yogurt, to help with bone health too.
The point is, try to make this recipe for raita a part of your daily meals to get amazing countless benefits. Instead of eating yogurt with sugar at breakfast, this is a perfect way to change it up.
If you like this recipe to go with a platter, do not forget to check out the recipe for Guacamole Easiest Guacamole Recipe You will ever make.
Want a recipe for my secret breakfast drink to get lean in 21 days? Learn more here – Melt Away Every Last lb of Fat. Become Lean in as little as 21 days with This One Trick.
And If you have Amazon Prime, Watch Russell Peter’s Deported and wait for the Spicy Indian Food Joke, about the way Indians Spice the Yogurt as well.
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