If you are looking for a simple yet delicious way to beat the heat and spice up your meals, then you must try Kumaoni Raita. Kumaoni Raita is a traditional yoghurt-based dish from the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, a state in northern India known for its scenic beauty and rich culture. Kumaoni Raita is different from other types of raita, which are usually made with fruits, vegetables, or herbs. It has a unique flavour and texture, thanks to the addition of mustard seeds (Rai), garlic, and green chilli, which are pounded into a coarse paste and mixed with yoghurt and cucumber. Kumaoni Raita is a popular accompaniment to spicy dishes like bhatt ki churkani (black bean curry), gahat ki dal (horse gram lentil soup) and bal mithai (chocolate fudge) in the Kumaon region.
How to Make Kumaoni Raita?
To make Kumaoni Raita, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of plain yogurt
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled and grated or finely chopped (Use pahadi cucumber if available)
- 2 teaspoons of mustard seeds
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 green chilli, or more as per your taste
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon of cumin powder
- 2 tablespoons of chopped coriander leaves
Method
Follow these steps to make Kumaoni Raita:
- In a mortar and pestle, pound the mustard seeds, garlic, and green chilli into a coarse paste. You can also use a blender or a food processor for this step, but make sure not to make the paste too smooth.
- In a large bowl, whisk the yoghurt until smooth and creamy. You can also use a hand blender or a whisk for this step.
- Add the grated or chopped cucumber and salt to the yoghurt and mix well.
- Transfer the raita to a serving bowl and garnish with cumin powder and coriander leaves.
- Enjoy your Raita with your favourite dishes or as a snack on its own.
Tips
Here are some tips to make the best Kumaoni Raita:
- Use fresh and tender cucumbers for the best taste and texture. You can also squeeze out the excess water from the cucumber after grating or chopping it, to prevent the raita from becoming watery.
- Adjust the spice level according to your preference. You can add more or less green chilli, garlic, or mustard seeds as per your taste buds. You can also add some red chilli powder or black pepper for extra heat.
- Serve the raita chilled or at room temperature, depending on your liking. You can also refrigerate the raita for up to two days in an airtight container.
- Kumaoni Raita is not only tasty but also healthy. It has a cooling effect on the body, aids in digestion, and provides calcium, protein, probiotics, and antioxidants.
Why Try Kumaoni Raita?
Kumaoni Raita is not only tasty but also healthy. It has a cooling effect on the body, aids in digestion, and provides calcium, protein, probiotics, and antioxidants. It is also easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and goes well with any spicy dish. So what are you waiting for? Try this recipe today and share your feedback with us in the comments section below.