Raita

A yogurt salad served as an accompaniment to biryani as well as other Parsi dishes.

Raita is a traditional Parsi side dish, typically served with biryani and tandoori chicken. It’s made from yogurt mixed with herbs, spices, and vegetables and is known for its cooling properties, making raita a perfect accompaniment to spicy dishes.

Ingredients

1 large cucumber, peeled, deseeded, and diced small
1-2 tsp salt, for removing water from cucumber
2 cups plain yoghurt, lightly whisked
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
½ a red onion, finely chopped
2 green chilies, remove seeds and finely chopped
½ cup mint leaves, finely chopped
½ cup cilantro, finely chopped
½ teaspoon cumin seeds, pan toasted
1 pinch of chili powder, for garnish

Directions

1. Add salt to the diced cucumber and let it sit for 20 minutes, then strain the liquid that collects around it. Stir the cucumber into the yoghurt.
2. Add the onions and the chilies and stir
3. Add the sugar and stir.
4. Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes.
5. Add salt taste and add the roasted cumin seeds and give it another stir.
6. Add mint and cilantro just before serving.
7. Garnish with a pinch of chili powder sprinkled all over.