Onion raita recipe | pyaaz ka raita recipe
This Rajasthani traditional onion raita is quick, easy and unique with its turmeric & cumin seeds tarka/tempering. Perfect for summers but can be made throughout the year.
This raita has been made in my family for generations. I have grown up eating this raita and it is one of my favorites. Once you try it, it’ll become your favorite onion raita too! What makes this raita different from other onion raitas is the tarka/tempering that is added to the raita. The tarka is very simple but is big on flavor.
It’s very popular in the summers (in the state of Rajasthan, India) as it is believed that the raw onions help protect the body from the dry, hot winds. Its consistency is watery as compared to other raitas in order to provide hydration in the hot summers and also because it is eaten by mixing it with bajra (pearl millet) roti, which are usually dry. However, it goes well with any meal!
How to make onion raita/pyaaz ka raita – step-by-step instructions with pictures & video
First, add the yogurt to a big enough bowl and whisk it smooth. Then slowly add water as per the preferred consistency. It’s supposed to be a little watery.
Home made yogurt is the best, however you can also use Greek yogurt. If using Greek yoghurt, you will need to reduce the quantity of the yoghurt as it’s quite thick. You can also use buttermilk instead of yogurt. If using buttermilk, adjust the water depending on the consistency of the buttermilk.
Next, add in the salt & the red chilli powder. Mix and keep the bowl aside.
Chop the onion to approx. ¼ inch in size. Add the chopped onion to the yogurt bowl and mix it in.
Making the tarka/tempering
In a tarka/tempering pan or a small frying pan, heat oil on low-medium flame. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 5-10 seconds, taking care not to burn the seeds. Remove the pan from heat if needed.
Next add a pinch of turmeric powder and immediately switch off the gas and remove the pan from heat. Let the tarka/tempering cool down slightly, around 1-2 minutes.
Once the tarka/tempering has cooled down, add it to the raita bowl and mix it in.
Onion raita is ready to eat! Serve it with any meal.
Suggestions
The beauty of this raita is in its simplicity, however, you can also add some chopped coriander leaves or chopped green chilli or chopped mint leaves or crushed dried mint leaves.
If you tried this recipe, let me know by leaving a comment below and rating it. Please share the link on Facebook or Pinterest. For Instagram, mention @vegbyswati or tag #vegbyswati
Onion raita (Pyaaz ka raita)
Equipment
- Whisk
- Tarka pan/small frying pan
Ingredients
For the raita
- 1 1/2 cups plain yogurt (refer to notes)
- 1/4 – 1 cup water (depending on the consistency of the yogurt)
- 1/2 tsp salt or as per taste
- 1/4 tsp red chilli powder or as per taste
- 1 small onion, chopped (approx. ¼ inch)
For the tarka/tempering
- 1/4 – 1/2 tsp oil
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- pinch of turmeric powder
Instructions
To make the raita
- Add the yogurt to a big enough bowl and whisk it smooth.
- Slowly add water as per the preferred consistency. It’s supposed to be a little watery.
- Next, add in the salt & the red chilli powder. Mix and keep the bowl aside.
- Chop the onion to approx. ¼ inch in size. Add the chopped onion to the yogurt bowl and mix it in.
To make the tarka/tempering
- In a tarka pan or a small frying pan, heat oil on low-medium flame.
- Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 5-10 seconds, taking care not to burn the seeds. Remove the pan from heat if needed.
- Next add a pinch of turmeric powder and immediately switch off the gas and remove the pan from heat. Let the tarka/tempering cool down slightly, around 1-2 minutes.
- Once the tarka/tempering has cooled down, add it to the raita bowl and mix it in.
- Onion raita is ready to eat! Serve it with any meal.
Video
Notes
- You can also use Greek yogurt. If using Greek yoghurt, you will need to reduce the quantity of the yoghurt as it’s quite thick. You can also use buttermilk instead of yogurt. If using buttermilk, depending on the consistency of the buttermilk, adjust the water accordingly.
- Calories information is approximate, calculated using online Recipe Calorie & Nutrition Calculator.
It is explained in a very simple and easy to prepare. We tried and like the onion raita. Like to incorporate in our daily meals.
Thank you for trying out the recipe and for your feedback!