Cooling Jamun Raita
A delightfully refreshing and protein-rich Indian side dish, this Jamun Raita combines creamy yogurt with the unique sweet-tart flavor of fresh jamun, balanced by aromatic spices. It's perfect for cooling down any meal or enjoying as a light, healthy snack.
For 2 servings
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the full-fat plain yogurt vigorously until it is completely smooth and free of any lumps. If using Greek yogurt, you might need to add a splash of cold water or milk to achieve a pourable raita consistency.
Carefully wash and deseed the fresh jamun. Finely chop the jamun into small, bite-sized pieces, ensuring no seeds remain.
Add the chopped jamun, roasted cumin powder, finely chopped fresh mint leaves, and black salt to the whisked yogurt. If desired, add the granulated sugar for a touch of sweetness to balance the tartness of the jamun.
Gently fold all the ingredients into the yogurt until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more black salt, cumin powder, or sugar as per your preference.
If the raita is too thick, add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring until you reach your desired creamy, yet flowing, consistency.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the raita to chill thoroughly. This also helps the jamun to slightly soften and release its juices.
Before serving, give the raita a final gentle stir. Garnish with a few fresh mint leaves and a light sprinkle of roasted cumin powder. Serve chilled alongside your favorite Indian meal or as a refreshing snack.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Yogurt Quality Matters: Use fresh, good-quality full-fat plain yogurt for the best creamy texture and authentic taste. Avoid overly sour yogurt.
- 2Perfect Jamun: Choose ripe but firm jamun. Overly ripe jamun can be mushy, while unripe ones can be too astringent. Deseed them thoroughly for safety and enjoyment.
- 3Chilling is Key: Allow ample chilling time (at least 30 minutes) for the flavors to fully develop and for the raita to become truly refreshing. The longer it chills, the better the flavors meld.
- 4Balance Sweetness: Jamun can vary in sweetness. Always taste your raita before serving and adjust the sugar or black salt to achieve a perfect sweet-savory balance that suits your palate.
Adapt it for your goals.
Fruity Twist
Replace jamun with other seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds, chopped mango, or even grapes for a different sweet-tart raita experience.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
For a hint of heat, add a pinch of red chili powder or finely chopped green chili along with the other spices to give it a subtle fiery edge.
Vegan VersionVegan Version
Use a plant-based yogurt alternative like unsweetened coconut or almond yogurt to make this recipe suitable for a vegan diet, ensuring it's plain and unsweetened.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Probiotic Powerhouse
Yogurt is rich in probiotics, beneficial bacteria that support gut health, aid digestion, and boost immunity, contributing to overall well-being.
Antioxidant Boost
Jamun is packed with antioxidants like anthocyanins, which help combat free radicals, reduce oxidative stress in the body, and support cellular health.
Bone and Muscle Support
Yogurt provides a good source of protein essential for muscle repair and growth, along with calcium for strong bones and teeth, making it a nutritious addition to your diet.
Frequently asked questions
It's best to use fresh jamun for this raita as frozen jamun can become too watery and alter the texture once thawed. If you must use frozen, thaw completely and drain any excess liquid to minimize impact on consistency.
