Beetroot Raita

Raita is basically Indian salad in yogurt and is seasoned with herbs and spices. It’s a cooling side dish cum condiment that works wonder with spicy food and biryani rice. I’m a big fan of raita and this beetroot raita is simply amazing. I’m a bit skeptical initially because this recipe uses raw beetroot. Oh no, will it taste like freshly uprooted plants? I’m seriously not a big fan of that smell. 😛

Read on to find out!

Tempt your guests with this delicious raita!
As with all raitas, they are very easy to prepare.

First thing first, peel beetroot skin. Then rinse the beetroot.

Next grate the beetroot.

Add sliced chili and coriander to the beetroot and put aside.

In another bowl, add yogurt, sugar, salt, lemon juice and cumin powder. For the lemon juice, add according to your taste. The recipe uses 1 tablespoon while I use 1 teaspoon. Mix all the ingredients well.

Then pour over beetroot mixture and mix to combine. Best serve chilled. Garnish with extra sprinkle of cumin. Easy right?

Art work. I get this effect before thoroughly mixing it. So good to look at. Right?

Good with bread too. 🙂
Beetroot raita is aromatic, cooling, sweet, a lil’ tangy and yummy. The aroma mainly come from ground cumin. And nope, surprisingly no earthy smell!

I ate this raita for 4 straight days. Kept it covered with plastic wrap in the fridge. My best moment is when eating this beetroot raita with chicken curry using my bare-hands! Heavenly 🙂 That’s how Indians eats… with their bare-hands. Food taste so much better!

Beetroot Raita
Adapted from Cooking with Asian Roots
Serves 6

150g grated raw beetroot
2 tablespoons coriander leaves (cilantro), chopped
1 red chili, seeded and sliced

300ml natural yogurt
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice (I used 1 teaspoon instead)
1 teaspoon dry-roasted cumin seeds, coarsely pounded (I used store-bought packet cumin powder)

Method:
1. Place beetroot, coriander leaves and chili in a bowl.

2. Put all remaining ingredients in another bowl and mix to combine. Then pour over beetroot mixture. Mix again.

3. Serve chilled. Garnish with sprinkle of cumin powder.

Enjoy!