Cool, creamy, and refreshing, Raita brings balance to any Indian meal. Thick yoghurt mixed with herbs, vegetables, and gentle spice creates a side dish that pairs perfectly with biryani, curry, or grilled meats.
The first time I tried raita was in Mumbai, more than ten years ago. I was still new to Indian food, and everything felt a little too spicy for me. Then someone served me a small bowl of creamy yoghurt mixed with vegetables and spices. It was raita, and I loved it from the first spoonful. Cool, refreshing, and light, it was exactly what I needed in that heat.
Since that trip, I’ve made raita often at home. I usually mix in whatever vegetables I find in the fridge, and it always turns out well. I like to keep it mild because I often serve it with dishes like biryani or curry, but you can always add more chilli if you prefer extra heat.
What Makes Mixed Vegetable Raita So Refreshing
- Comes together in minutes, perfect for busy days when you want something fresh and easy.
- Uses simple ingredients like yoghurt, vegetables, and spices that are often already on hand.
- A great way to use crisp leftover vegetables while keeping the dish refreshing and wholesome.
Key Ingredients for Raita
Greek Style Yoghurt
I like to use thick Greek-style yoghurt because it holds the vegetables well and gives the raita a smooth, creamy consistency. It also adds a slight tang that works nicely with the spices.
Cumin Seeds and Powder
Cumin adds warmth and a subtle depth of flavour. Toasting the seeds first releases their aroma, while a pinch of ground cumin blends through the yoghurt to round it out.
Green Chilli
A small amount of finely chopped green chilli gives a pleasant heat that contrasts with the cool yoghurt. Add more if you enjoy a stronger kick.
Fresh Herbs
Fresh mint and coriander make the raita taste clean and bright. Mint cools the palate, and coriander adds a light citrus note that pairs well with the vegetables.
Find the complete list with measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make Raita
Step 1: Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
Step 2: Garnish with extra mint and coriander leaves. Serve cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can prepare it a few hours before serving and refrigerate it in a covered bowl. The flavours develop nicely as it chills, but give it a quick stir before serving to bring everything together again.
You can. Plain yoghurt works fine if you drain it through a muslin cloth or cheesecloth for about 15 minutes. This removes extra water and gives a creamy texture similar to Greek yoghurt.
Cucumber, radish, and finely chopped capsicum are great options. They stay firm and add texture. You can also try grated beetroot or boiled potato for a different twist.
Add a pinch of sugar or mix in a spoon of milk to balance the tang. Using freshly opened yoghurt instead of one that’s been stored for days also keeps the flavour mild.
Extra Help from the Kitchen
Strain Watery Yoghurt – If the yoghurt looks thin, strain it through muslin cloth, cheesecloth, or a clean tea towel for about 15 minutes. This thickens the yoghurt and helps it stay creamy after chilling.
Soak Onion in Water – Let the chopped onion sit in cold water for a few minutes before adding it. This softens its sharp flavour and keeps the overall taste mild.
Cool the Cumin Before Mixing – When toasting cumin seeds, let them cool fully before stirring them in so the yoghurt stays cold and smooth.
Chop Vegetables Evenly – Cut everything into small, even pieces so each spoonful has a bit of every ingredient and the texture stays balanced.
Use a Flat Serving Bowl – Serving raita in a shallow dish keeps the vegetables from settling at the bottom and helps it stay evenly mixed.
Variations and Twists
Cucumber Raita – Grated cucumber mixed with thick yoghurt, roasted cumin, and a little salt makes a cooling side dish that goes well with spicy curries. Squeeze out excess water before adding the cucumber to keep the texture creamy.
Mint Raita – Blend fresh mint leaves with a spoon of yoghurt, then stir through the rest. The result is light, fragrant, and perfect with kebabs or grilled meats.
Pineapple Raita – Combine chopped fresh pineapple with yoghurt, a pinch of roasted cumin, and a touch of sugar. The sweetness pairs well with rich biryanis or curries.
Onion Raita – Finely chop red onion, sprinkle with salt, and mix with chilled yoghurt and ground cumin. Simple yet tasty, it pairs well with parathas and pulao.
Boondi Raita – Add crisp fried chickpea pearls (boondi) to seasoned yoghurt and serve immediately so they stay slightly crunchy. This is a popular North Indian variation.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store Mixed Vegetable Raita in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The yoghurt may separate slightly, so give it a gentle stir before serving to bring it back to a smooth consistency. Keep it covered to prevent it from absorbing other flavours from the fridge.
Avoid freezing, as the texture changes once thawed, and the vegetables lose their freshness. Raita is best served cold.
Dishes to Enjoy with Raita
Raita Recipe
Cool, creamy, and refreshing, Raita brings balance to any Indian meal. Thick yoghurt mixed with herbs, vegetables, and gentle spice creates a side dish that pairs perfectly with biryani, curry, or grilled meats.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Greek-style yoghurt
- 2 tbsp onion – finely chopped
- 2 tbsp tomatoes – chopped
- 2 tbsp carrots – grated
- ½ tsp green chilli – finely chopped (you can increase this to taste)
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- 1 pinch red chilli powder
- A few mint leaves
- A few coriander leaves
- 1 pinch sugar – if your yoghurt is too sour
- Salt – to taste
Instructions
-
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
-
Garnish with extra mint and coriander leaves. Serve cold.
My ex-husband is from Bangladesh and his mom used to make this all the time-you brought back a good memory for me-thank you.
This has me wishing for warm weather, kabobs and eating late dinner outside before the fireflies come out. I love this combination of flavors. I must try it!
Looks lovely!!!
Look at all those colours!!!
Shobha
Can’t love this more!
Can’t wait to DIY this myself !
Hope I can be successful!
Will definitely try it, didn’t try raita so far:)
I love raita, it is rich creamy and you can get so creative with it. love the creaminess of your raita
Somehow, I very often go for a cucumber raita!
I really enjoy the coolness of a yoghurt raita with all curries. It’s a perfect balance.