SHAHI RAITA – a spicy cilantro-mint chutney flavored creamy, yogurt based Indian condiment with almonds and vegetables; a perfect side with any biryani, pulao/pilaf, any Indian flat bread etc.
INDIAN CUISINE AND YOGURT:
Every Indian meal has some type of yogurt based side; it could be a bowl of plain yogurt, a tall glass of buttermilk or lassi (spiced, sweetened or plain), some curd rice (rice mixed with yogurt) or raita, a yogurt based condiment with or without vegetables but always flavored with spices and aromatics for a lip smacking experience. And no biryani or pulao, spicy or otherwise is served without a side of raita to cool things up! This Shahi Raita or loosely translated as “Royal Raita” is one of my favorites by far!
SHAHI OR “ROYAL” RAITA
Everyone knows the ubiquitous coriander-mint chutney served with most Indian snacks. But in this raita, the green chutney is stirred into yogurt! What makes this raita special or unique is the addition of almonds in the chutney, some cheese spread and chopped vegetables like cucumbers, onion and boiled potatoes! The almonds, potatoes and spicy green chutney make it “shahi’ or “royal!
Most commonly served raitas have chopped veggies like carrots ,beets, onions, cucumbers, tomatoes etc. but this one has boiled potatoes and believe me, it is the piece de resistance of this raita! DO NOT OMIT THE BOILED POTATOES! Cheese spread is something you would not think of adding in raita, but adds a lovely creamy, cheesy taste. Adding it is totally optional! Just blend the freshly made green chutney, stir into plain yogurt, add in your choice of veggies (but do not omit the boiled potatoes!), cheese spread if using and salt; that is it! For a fruity experience, stir in pomegranate or any other fruit you like. Yumm! Rustle up a bowl of this creamy, spicy and delicious Shahi Raita the next time you make a biryani or pulao or even some parathas! You and your family will love it!
We enjoyed it with some aloo or potato parathas, gobi kofta curry and pulao! Enjoy Foodies and Happy Eating! Here are some more raitas or yogurt based dishes you may like: South Indian Curd Rice Tomato Onion Raita with carrots Fruit Raita
Now, let us see how to make “Shahi Raita”:
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500 ml thick curd/yogurt FOR THE GREEN CHUTNEY: Handful of cilantro/coriander leaves 12 to 15 mint leaves 1 tbsp jeera/cumin seeds or 1 tsp cumin powder 6 almonds 2 green chilies/jalapeno/Serrano pepper (or according to taste) ½ tsp amchur/dry mango powder or lemon juice OTHER INGREDIENTS: 4 tbsp cheese spread (optional) 1 tsp salt 1 tsp sugar 1 cucumber, peeled and cut into small cubes 1 onion, finely chopped 1 boiled potato, peeled and cubed Pomegranate pearls
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