Winter is a season when the body craves warmth and nourishment, and what better way to satisfy these cravings than by incorporating raita into your meals? While raita is often considered a cooling dish, certain variations can be prepared using winter vegetables and warming spices, making them suitable for the colder months. The creamy texture of yoghurt, combined with the rich flavours of seasonal vegetables and greens, creates a side dish that complements hearty winter meals like parathas, pulao, and biryanis.
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Winter raitas are not just delicious but also packed with nutrients. Ingredients like beetroot, methi, spinach, and carrots are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that help boost immunity and keep the body warm. Below is a curated list of raitas to try this winter, each featuring a unique seasonal ingredient that brings its own health benefits and flavour to the table.
Beetroot Raita
Beetroot raita is a vibrant and nutritious option that brightens up any winter meal. The earthy flavour of beetroot blends beautifully with the tanginess of yoghurt. To prepare this raita, grated or boiled beetroot is mixed with yoghurt and seasoned with roasted cumin powder, salt, and a hint of black pepper.
Beetroot is rich in iron, folate, and antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for winter, as it helps improve blood circulation and boosts immunity. This raita not only adds a splash of colour to your plate but also provides warmth and energy during the chilly season.
Bathua Raita
Bathua, also known as Chenopodium or pigweed, is a highly nutritious winter green commonly found in Indian households during the colder months. Bathua raita is made by blanching bathua leaves and blending them with yoghurt. A touch of salt, roasted cumin powder, and black salt enhances the flavour, creating a creamy and aromatic dish.
Bathua is rich in fibre, iron, and vitamins A and C, which are essential for boosting immunity and maintaining digestive health. This raita pairs wonderfully with parathas or rice and provides the perfect combination of taste and nutrition to keep you warm.
Carrot Raita
Carrots are a quintessential winter vegetable, and carrot raita is both refreshing and hearty. This raita is prepared by grating fresh carrots and mixing them with yoghurt, along with a sprinkle of roasted cumin powder, salt, and a pinch of red chilli powder for a spicy kick.
Carrots are loaded with beta-carotene, an antioxidant that converts into vitamin A, helping improve vision and skin health. This vibrant orange raita is not only visually appealing but also a rich source of energy and warmth for cold winter days.
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Methi Raita
Methi, or fenugreek leaves, is a popular winter green known for its distinct bitter-sweet flavour. Methi raita is prepared by sautéing chopped methi leaves with a little oil, garlic, and green chillies, and then mixing them with yoghurt. A dash of salt and cumin powder completes the dish.
Fenugreek leaves are packed with iron, calcium, and antioxidants, which help combat winter fatigue and boost overall health. The warm and slightly spicy flavours of methi raita make it an excellent side dish for roti, parathas, or even khichdi during winter.
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Spinach Raita
Spinach, or palak, is another nutrient-rich winter green that works beautifully in a raita. To make spinach raita, blanch and finely chop spinach leaves before mixing them with yoghurt. Add a touch of garlic, cumin powder, and salt for a savoury and wholesome dish.
Spinach is high in iron, magnesium, and vitamins, making it a great immunity booster and energy provider during the cold months. This raita pairs perfectly with rice dishes like pulao or biryani and adds a healthy twist to your winter diet.
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Mooli Raita
Mooli, or radish, is a popular winter root vegetable that gives raita a spicy and tangy kick. To prepare mooli raita, grated radish is combined with yoghurt and seasoned with green chillies, cumin powder, and a pinch of black salt. For added flavour, you can garnish it with chopped coriander leaves.
Radish is known for its detoxifying properties and is high in vitamin C and fibre, making it ideal for maintaining gut health during winter. The spicy notes of mooli raita complement dishes like stuffed parathas, adding depth and warmth to the meal.
Mix Vegetable Raita
For those who want a combination of flavours and textures, mix vegetable raita is the perfect choice. This raita includes a variety of vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, and boiled peas, all finely chopped and mixed with yoghurt. A seasoning of black salt, cumin powder, and fresh coriander brings everything together.
This raita is a powerhouse of nutrients, providing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the mix of vegetables. It’s a versatile dish that can be served with any winter meal, adding both freshness and warmth to the table.