Spiced Yogurt
A refreshing and savory North Indian yogurt side dish, lightly spiced with a simple tempering of cumin and mustard seeds. It's the perfect cooling accompaniment to spicy curries and biryanis, ready in minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 5 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
TIPUsing chilled yogurt makes the raita instantly refreshing. - 2
Step 2
- a.Heat the oil in a small pan or tadka pan over medium heat.
- b.Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- c.Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
TIPDon't let the oil get too hot, as the spices can burn quickly and become bitter. - 3
Step 3
- a.Turn off the heat and add the turmeric powder and red chili powder to the hot oil. Give it a quick stir.
- b.Immediately pour this hot tempering over the whisked yogurt.
TIPPouring the tempering immediately captures the maximum aroma and flavor of the spices. - 4
Step 4
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a creamier texture, you can strain the yogurt through a cheesecloth for 30 minutes to remove excess whey.
- 2If you prefer a smokier flavor, you can use mustard oil for the tempering.
- 3Let the spiced yogurt rest in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- 4To make it a vegetable raita, add finely chopped onion, tomato, or grated cucumber to the yogurt base.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Substitute dairy yogurt with a plant-based yogurt like coconut or almond yogurt. Use coconut oil for the tempering.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Omit the red chili powder to make it non-spicy and appealing for children.
high proteinHigh protein
Use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt to significantly increase the protein content.
quickQuick
For a no-cook version, skip the tempering and simply mix in 1/2 teaspoon of roasted cumin powder and a pinch of chili powder.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Probiotics
Yogurt is an excellent source of live and active cultures (probiotics) that promote a healthy gut microbiome and improve digestion.
Good Source of Calcium
As a dairy product, it provides a good amount of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Cooling Effect on the Body
Yogurt is known for its cooling properties, making this dish a perfect counterbalance to spicy and hot foods.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Spiced Yogurt is a healthy side dish. It's a good source of probiotics from yogurt, which aids digestion, and contains calcium for bone health. The spices also have their own anti-inflammatory benefits.