Beetroot Raita

A visually striking accompaniment to Indian dishes; this Beetroot Raita is super delicious.

With an added layer of crunchy tadka, this yogurt based side is definitely a favorite!

Indian cuisine is rich in variety for meals. While there is a lot of focus on curries, dal, rice and naan; we take our sides and condiments very seriously.

From yogurt based sides called raita to pickled vegetables and fried sides like papads; we enjoy them all.

If you have ever dined at an Indian Thali restaurant you would have noticed the servers going around with a lot of condiments. Sweet, sour and spicy pickles, raitas, fryums, chips and what not.

While these are sides, they help elevate the meal to a whole new level. So they are super popular and varied based on region and cuisine.

Jump to:

• What is Raita
• This recipe of Beetroot Raita
• Why this recipe works
• Ingredients and Substitutions
• How to make this recipe
• Expert Tips and Notes
• Storage and Serving
• Recipe FAQs
• Pairings
• More Yogurt based Recipes
• Beetroot Raita

What is Raita

Raita is a popular condiment. Raw or cooked veggies, fruits or other ingredients are mixed with yogurt and seasonings like salt, roasted cumin powder, chili powder etc. Learn more about raitas on wikipedia.

This cooling condiment is made with chilled yogurt, making it a great side for spicy dishes like paneer biryani. Plus, it is perfect with parathas, roti or naan. Moreover, use it as a dipping sauce for veggie sticks, chips etc.

This recipe of Beetroot Raita

Beetroot Raita is something I grew up eating. My mother would often make it with beets and potatoes. Beets were not on my list of favorites and this was a great way to sneak in a few beets without me objecting. Now, I totally love this raita and so I make it often for me and my toddler!

It has a great color that deepens as the raita stands. And based on the amount of beets added we can get every shade of pink in the raita.

Why this recipe works

• It is super easy to make with cooked or steamed beets.
• Beets are full of nutrition and these are great to add in the recipe.
• It makes a great side for rotis or rice.
• Plus, it is a perfect dip for chips and crudités.
• It is generally loved by kids given its bright color and sweetness.
• This raita comes together in under 15 minutes.
• The recipe is naturally gluten-free.
• It makes the whole meal colorful with its deep pink color.
• This beetroot raita can be made ahead of time. The pink color deepens as it stands.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Beetroot: An essential ingredient in the recipe, fresh beets work well for the recipe. You can also use cooked beets from the store and they both work equally well. Just pick the natural ones and not the ones with added vinegar etc.
• Yogurt: Any plain yogurt work for this beetroot raita recipe. I like to make mine using the Instant Pot with this easy yogurt recipe. Store bought Greek yogurt works too, but has to be thinned out to make it the right consistency.
• Dry Spices: I have used Red Chili powder, dhania jeera powder, salt and jeera powder to season the yogurt. Adding a hint of sugar in raitas is common but given that the beets are sweet I skip that here. 
• Tempering: Though the tadka is optional in the recipe it is highly recommended. It adds so much flavor and depth that I almost NEVER make this raita without it. For the tadka you need any neutral oil and other ingredients like mustard seeds, asafetida, cumin seeds and curry leaves. Urad dal tastes amazing in the raita and so I strongly recommend adding some. Moreover, if you like the raita spicy, add some chopped green chili. It will make the raita delicious.
• The same recipe can be made with more vegetables like cucumber, onions, boiled potatoes, cucumber and carrots too.

See the recipe card for detailed ingredient information, measurements and nutrition.

How to make this recipe

1- Cook the beets, peel and grate them. The beets can be steamed or boiled till fork soft. Add plain yogurt to a bowl. Add the dry spices.

2- Whisk till smooth. 

3- Then add in the grated beets.

4- Mix everything well. 

5- In a small pan heat oil. Add mustard seeds and let them pop. Then add the cumin seeds, asafetida and urad dal. Let the dal become golden brown. 

6- Next, add curry leaves and turn down the flame.

7- Then transfer the tadka to the raita and add cilantro. 

8- Mix the betroot raita well and serve with some additional tadka on top (optional).

Expert Tips and Notes

• Use thick yogurt for a creamy raita. However, using Greek Yogurt needs to thinned out with some water.
• Beetroot tends to add a lot of moisture when it mixes with salt and will result in a soggy raita if the yogurt is too thin.
• Adding the tadka (tempering) is optional but it adds a lot of flavor to the raita. I like to temper it in oil and not ghee. However, ghee can also be used.
• Roasted cumin powder works best for the recipe. Dry roast the cumin seeds and process to a powder for maximum flavor. 
• Store raita in the refrigerator after making. It does get sour if placed outside for long.
• Like most traditional raita recipes, we can also add some crushed mustard seeds in the recipe. That is the true reason why we call it rai-ta (rai meaning mustard seeds).
• The raita can be enjoyed as soon as it is made or after a while. The color deepens as the raita stands.
• In order to make the raita Vegan; we can use coconut yogurt in place of regular. As it has a thick consistency and makes a great Vegan alternate.

Storage and Serving

This raita is great right after making. Simply mix, add tadka and enjoy.

However, the same can be made ahead. To do so, mix everything and pour over the tempering. Mix well and transfer to an airtight container. Pop this in the refrigerator and serve later.

We can easily store the raita for 2 days. After that it tends to become sour.

We can enjoy this raita as a side with paneer biryani, tofu tikka biryani, lemon rice or vegetable biryani.

Moreover, it makes a great meal with steamed rice, naan, paneer jalfrezi, dal, pickled onions and kachumber.

Recipe FAQs

Pairings

Here are some amazing pairings for beetroot raita. These make a great meal that is colorful, flavorful and delicious.

More Yogurt based Recipes

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