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Home » Sides » Vegetable Raita / Mixed Veg Raita

Vegetable Raita / Mixed Veg Raita

by Shilpa · 9 Comments

Jump to Recipe
Raita is a yogurt-based side dish very popular in India. Veg raita has a burst of flavors - a slight tang from yogurt that is balanced with a mild sweetness from the vegetables, freshness from herbs, and slight heat from chili powder. This simple classic dish is fuss-free, oil-free, and a great way to include raw vegetables in your diet.
vegetable raita served with pulao

Vegetable raita step-by-step recipe with photos.

Jump to:
  • About this recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Step-by-step instructions
  • Variations
  • Useful tips
  • FAQs
  • Bonus
  • Recipe card
  • Comments

About this recipe

Raita is a yogurt-based side dish very popular in India. The most common version is made with raw vegetables. It can also be made with fruits and boondi (tiny deep-fried balls made with chickpea flour). Raita is a staple in many Indian households and is a part of almost every meal. The raita recipe I am sharing here is using a mix of raw vegetables.

The only ingredient that is non-negotiable in making this dish is good-quality thick yogurt. I use plain yogurt, however, greek yogurt also works well. Yogurt is whisked, seasoned, and combined with vegetables. This creamy and delicious vegetable raita is so versatile and very soothing.

Veg raita has a burst of flavors - a slight tang from yogurt that is balanced with a mild sweetness from the vegetables, freshness from herbs, and slight heat from chili powder. This simple classic dish is fuss-free, oil-free, and a great way to include raw vegetables in your diet.

This no-cook side dish is ready in 10 minutes and goes well with pulao, biryani, and paratha. It can also be served as a savory snack on hot summer days.

There are no set rules to make this versatile dish. Read on for ingredients, variations, useful tips, and all FAQs to make this classic Indian raita recipe. Also try kachumber salad, which is an easy no-cook Indian style summer salad.

vegetable raita

Ingredients

ingredients to make vegetable raita

Yogurt: Use plain whole-milk yogurt that is fresh.

Vegetables: The most common vegetables used are cucumber, tomato, onion, and coriander leaves (cilantro). I have also used carrot and capsicum (bell pepper).

Seasoning: I use mild chili powder and salt.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Take yogurt in a bowl and whisk it well.

whisk yogurt.
whisk yogurt.

2. Add salt and chili powder. Mix well.

season with salt and chili powder.
mix well.

3. Add the chopped vegetables and mix well.

vegetables to make raita.
add veggies to yogurt.

Serve the vegetable raita chilled.

vegetable raita

Variations

Here are some variations to this delicious mixed veg raita. These raita recipes are all made using plain yogurt as the base.

Cucumber raita: Skip all other vegetables and finely chopped just cucumber. If you are grating them, make sure to squeeze out the excess water content.

Boondi raita: Boondi is tiny deep-fried balls made with gram flour. Add spicy boondi to whisked yogurt and season it with chaat masala.

Onion: This version is quite common in South India. Follow this recipe and add just finely chopped onions.

Cabbage: Add finely shredded green or purple cabbage to whisked yogurt and season it with roasted cumin powder.

Pomegranate raita: Add pomegranate pearls to whisked yogurt and season it with roasted cumin powder and chili powder.

Onion tomato raita: This version is also very popular in South India. Add finely chopped onions, tomatoes, fresh coconut, and coriander leaves to whisked yogurt. Season it with a tempering (tadka) made with mustard seeds, urad dal, and curry leaves.

Beetroot: Add cooked beetroot to whisked yogurt. You can use either boiled beets or saute grated beets in some oil before adding.

raita.

Useful tips

There are no specific measurements to make this dish; however, as a guide, follow the rule of 2 to 1. The amount of yogurt must be twice the amount of vegetables. This will give you the right consistency - not too thick or too thin and runny.

As I mentioned, thick plain yogurt is non-negotiable. Make sure to use chilled fresh yogurt.

To get a smooth and creamy texture, it is important to whisk the yogurt well making sure there are no lumps. Also, do not blend the yogurt as blending will make the yogurt runny instead of smooth and creamy.

Chop the vegetables finely. We want them to be cut into tiny bite-sized pieces.

I prefer chopped vegetables rather than grated ones as grated vegetables may affect the final dish. For example, grated cucumber can make the raita runny and grated carrot adds an orange hue to the dish.

However, if you prefer to use grated cucumber, make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from it. This will help get the right consistency of raita as the moisture in the cucumber can make it runny.

If you are planning to make it ahead, it is best to keep the chopped vegetables and whisked yogurt separately. Mix them up just before serving. However, this dish can be made and stored in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

Greek yogurt can also be used to make this dish.

vegetable raita

Click here for more side dish recipes.

FAQs

What is raita served with?

Veg raita can be paired with pulao, biryani, or paratha. It can also be served as a dip and a savory snack.

Is raita the same as tzatziki?

Tzatziki is a yogurt-based dip from the Middle-eastern cuisine. They both are very similar although the yogurt used is different. Raita is made with plain yogurt whereas tzatziki is made using Greek yogurt. Raita is more versatile and can be flavored in many ways. Tzatziki is made with cucumber and garlic whereas raita can be made using different vegetables or fruits.

What vegetables can I use to make raita?

The most common veggies used are cucumber, onion, and tomatoes. Other vegetables or fruits can also be used. See the variations section above for details.

Can I make it ahead?

It is best to prep it and keep things ready. Whisk season the yogurt, and chop all the vegetables; however, mix them together just before serving. It is best to serve it within 2-3 hours. If you make the raita ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator so that it can be served chilled.

vegetable raita

Bonus

This mixed vegetable raita is:
- very easy to make
- a perfect side dish for spicy food
- great as a healthy snack

thick and creamy vegetable raita

Recipe card

Vegetable Raita | Mixed Veg Raita

Raita is a yogurt-based side dish very popular in India. Veg raita has a burst of flavors - a slight tang from yogurt that is balanced with a mild sweetness from the vegetables, freshness from herbs, and slight heat from chili powder. This simple classic dish is fuss-free, oil-free, and a great way to include raw vegetables in your diet.
5 from 14 votes
Print Pin Rate
Author: Shilpa
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups yogurt
  • ½ small carrot
  • 1 small cucumber
  • ½ small capsicum (bell pepper)
  • 1 small tomato
  • ½ small onion
  • 2 tablespoon coriander leaves (cilantro)
  • ¼ teaspoon chili powder optional
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  • Wash, peel, and finely chop the carrot and cucumber. Transfer it to a bowl
  • Finely chop onion, tomatoes, capsicum (bell pepper), and coriander leaves (cilantro). Place it along with other vegetables
  • In another bowl, take yogurt and whisk it well
  • Add salt and chili powder to the whisked yogurt and mix well
  • Add the vegetables and coriander leaves to the yogurt. Mix well
  • Serve chilled

Notes

See the tips section for useful tips to make this dish.
Nutrition Facts
Vegetable Raita | Mixed Veg Raita
Amount per Serving
Calories
93
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
4
g
6
%
Saturated Fat
 
3
g
19
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Cholesterol
 
16
mg
5
%
Sodium
 
65
mg
3
%
Potassium
 
353
mg
10
%
Carbohydrates
 
9
g
3
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
8
g
9
%
Protein
 
5
g
10
%
Vitamin A
 
1724
IU
34
%
Vitamin C
 
18
mg
22
%
Calcium
 
161
mg
16
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

More Sides

  • Laccha Pyaz / Lachha Pyaaz (Indian Onion Salad)
  • Kosambari (Indian Carrot and Lentil Salad)
  • Cabbage Palya / Cabbage Poriyal (South Indian Cabbage Stir-fry)
  • How to cook Sorghum

Reader Interactions

Comments

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Kayla DiMaggio says

    January 22, 2022 at 10:49 am

    5 stars
    This vegetable raita was so delicious! I loved how easy it was!

  2. nancy says

    January 22, 2022 at 3:00 pm

    5 stars
    this is so interesting. i never thought to add yogurt with my vegetables. will have to try it out

  3. Jacqui says

    January 22, 2022 at 7:08 pm

    5 stars
    Wow this Raita looks and sounds incredible! I can’t wait to make this!

  4. Anaiah says

    January 23, 2022 at 2:22 pm

    5 stars
    Yum! I loved this vegetable raita. Super easy to make and a delicious accompaniment to many dishes!

  5. Natalie says

    January 24, 2022 at 10:00 am

    5 stars
    This dish sounds so interesting. I will definitely try this recipe.

  6. Dawn Conklin says

    January 24, 2022 at 11:06 am

    5 stars
    This vegetable raita is so delicious and easy to make! We had it as a healthy snack and the family loves it.

  7. dave says

    January 24, 2022 at 5:36 pm

    5 stars
    love cooking with yogurt. so interesting!! i'll be making this on the weekend

  8. Addie says

    January 24, 2022 at 11:48 pm

    5 stars
    These flavors are amazing!

  9. Zhen says

    January 25, 2022 at 7:00 am

    5 stars
    love eating Indian food but seldom make it at home as my few attempts haven't been very successful, but thanks to your great recipe I feel empowered to this weekend!

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