Onion Raita

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Onion raita – If you have been craving some Indian raita to go with your biryani, then this recipe is for you. Make it with ingredients that you have at home and in less than 5 minutes. It is the perfect way to finish off a delicious Indian meal. 

Onion raita served in
Onion Raita

If you had Indian food before in a restaurant or at home, you have probably had this raita or a variation. Commonly served with biryanis, kebabs, butter chicken etc, this easy to make raita is popular in Indian restaurants worldwide. It is super easy not to mention budget-friendly since all it takes is a few basic ingredients that you already have in your pantry.

How to make onion raita?

Raitas may seem like a part of an elaborate Indian meal setup but actually, it is not especially this onion raita. It is easy to put together and you can serve it with rotis, dal and vegetable side dish. 

Ingredients used in onion raita

This onion (pyaaz) raita needs only 5 ingredients – onions, yogurt, green chilies, salt and cilantro leaves for garnishing.  The process of making this raita is simple – 

  1. Cut the onions lengthwise or chop them to the desired size. The next part is optional – if you want to take the bite out of raw onions, soak the chopped onions in cold water for about 10 minutes. Remove the onions from the water and squeeze them to discard the excess water. 
  2. Add salt to the yogurt and whisk till the yogurt is smooth and creamy. Add onions and finely chopped green chilies to it. 
  3. Garnish it with finely chopped cilantro and refrigerate it for a couple of hours.
  4. Serve chilled. 

Testers notes

  1. Use red onions if available. They add a sparkle of color to the raita when compared to white onions.
  2. Consume the raita within a day or two. 
  3. If you are making this pyaaz raita for a crowd and want to make it in advance, here’s my suggestion – chop the onions and refrigerate them. Onions store well in the refrigerator for about a week (and no, they don’t turn poisonous). Combine it with cold yogurt, green chilies, salt, and cilantro leaves a couple of hours before the guests arrive. 

Variation

  • Grated carrot, finely chopped cucumbers or grated cucumber are good mix-ins to add to this raita. 
  • Replace green chilies with 1/2 a teaspoon of Kashmiri chili powder.
An overhead shot of onion raita served in black bowl.
Onion raita

Check out a few more raita recipe ideas to go with your Indian meals below or click here to find a list of ten raita recipes – some classics, a few new, and some with a twist. 

  1. Cucumber raita recipe – This delicious mix made from grated cucumber and yogurt is our favorite raita to pair with any Indian meal.  
  2. Pineapple raita – Eat it as a dessert or pair it with biryanis – it tastes delicious either way. 
  3. Cucumber tomato raita – A simple raita recipe made from everyday pantry ingredients.
  4. Boondi raita – crispy chickpea flour balls soaked in spice-infused creamy yogurt, that’s what this delicious boondi raita is made of.
  5. Mango raita – If you love mangoes, then this mango raita recipe has your name written all over it. Enjoy it as a dessert or as a side dish along with a spicy Indian meal. 
  6. Mint Raita – This refreshing yogurt-based dip made from mint is a worthy accompaniment to delicious biryanis, parathas, and other grilled Indian foods. Learn how to make it in under 5-minutes. 
Did you enjoy this recipe or have a question?Please leave a comment below. Don't forget to rate!
An overhead shot of onion raita served in black bowl.
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4.67 from 6 votes

Onion Raita Recipe

Onion raita - If you have been craving some Indian raita to go with your biryani, then this recipe is for you. Make it with ingredients that you have at home and in less than 5 minutes. 
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
 
 

  • ½ cup thinly sliced red onions
  • 1 cup cold water optional
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 green chili finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Cut the onions lengthwise. The next part is optional - if you want to take the bite out of raw onions, soak the chopped onions in cold water for about 10 minutes. Remove the onions from the water and squeeze them to discard the excess water.
  • Add salt to the yogurt and whisk till the yogurt is smooth and creamy.
  • Add onions and finely chopped green chilies to it.
  • Garnish it with finely chopped cilantro and refrigerate it for a couple of hours.
  • Serve chilled.
Read the post...For helpful information on ingredient swaps, storage tips, meal prep ideas, and variations!

Disclaimer: Approximate nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and can vary depending on the exact ingredients/brands used. If you have health issues, please work with a registered dietician or nutritionist.

Nutrition

Calories: 48kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 2gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 360mgPotassium: 124mgSugar: 4gVitamin A: 60IUVitamin C: 3.1mgCalcium: 79mg
Diet: Gluten-free, Nut-free, Vegetarian
Course: Accompaniment
Method: No cook
Keywords: complements Indian food, summer, yogurt dip
Cuisine: Indian

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2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    While my tour to India I became familiar with this sideline. It adds so much to the taste of food and serves the purpose of appetizer as well!