In summers, we look for refreshing and nutritious recipes to refresh ourselves from the scorching heat of the sun. This is where raita comes to our rescue. Easy to make, delicious and versatile, you can have raita at any time of the day. An Indian meal is often incomplete without raita as it is loved for its delicious and cooling properties. Also, it has many health benefits. Personally, I love all kinds of raitas, be it made from fruits or vegetables. But, if you ask me one recipe that I love in every season – it is Brinjal Raita. I have loved this raita since I was a kid and my mom used to serve it to me during summers. I would have a bowl full of dal-rice with Brinjal Raita, and I was ready to conquer the world!
Also read:5 Amazing Health Benefits of Eggplant You Haven’t Heard of Before
But as easy as this recipe sounds, finding the perfect balance of smoky eggplant, cooling yogurt and tangy spices can seem tricky. Are you struggling to make this refreshing raita at home? If yes, then you have come to the right place. Whether you want to master the recipe or just brush up on your skills, here are 5 tips to master the art of making baingan (eggplant) raita at home.
To make Brinjal Raita, choose fresh and firm brinjals.
Photo Credit: iStock
Here are 5 tips to make the perfect baingan raita at home
1. Choose the right eggplant
Just because you have to roast the brinjal, it doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the quality of the vegetable. When making this refreshing raita, make sure to choose a nice, plump brinjal that feels solid when pressed. Don’t choose spongy brinjals. Fresh, solid brinjals will give your raita a mild, sweet flavour, which when combined with the right spices will give you the perfect balance of flavours. Once you have chosen the right brinjal, make sure to roast it on an open flame. Use a gas stove as it helps you control the flame. Roasting the brinjal will give it a deep, smoky flavour that will make the raita even more delicious.
2. Choose the right yogurt
Yogurt, whether homemade or store-bought, forms the base of your baingan (eggplant) raita. It provides a cool and creamy canvas for the roasted vegetable. When making this raita, prefer using whole-milk yogurt as it provides a richer, creamier texture to this dish. However, if you want a tangy raita, use low-fat yogurt. Overall, choose plain yogurt instead of flavored yogurt as its taste may clash with the other ingredients.
3. Make it even more fun
Spices enhance the overall taste of eggplant (brinjal) raita. A simple tempering of cumin seeds and coriander powder can add flavour to your raita. Whisk the curds such that there are no lumps left. To make this tempering, heat some oil in a pan over medium flame. When it is hot, add cumin seeds and let them crackle for a few seconds till the fragrance comes out. Then add coriander powder and fry for a few seconds. Now add a handful of chopped onions and red chilli powder and mix the ingredients well. Want more spiciness? Add one or two chopped green chillies to enhance the taste.
Use coriander or mint leaves to enhance the flavour in your raita.
Photo Credit: iStock
4. Don’t skip the herbs
Fresh herbs like coriander and mint leaves add life to the eggplant raita. They not only make the raita look attractive but also add a refreshing touch with the smoky flavour of the roasted eggplant and the creaminess of the yogurt. If you want to be a little more adventurous, add some curry leaves and mustard seeds to the oil mixture while tempering the raita.
5. Let it rest
After making the raita, leave it for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the various ingredients of the raita to combine and mature, making it even more delicious. The roasted brinjal will get time to release its smoky flavour while the spices will spread their aromatic fragrance.
Also read:5 best eggplant recipes to try at home: From Caponata to Bagara Baingan and more!
What can you eat eggplant raita with?
Since eggplant raita is versatile, you can change the spices and their flavours according to your taste. You can use it as a side dish with any kind of biryani, pulao or even with your main meal. The smoky flavour of this raita also goes well with kebabs, tikkas and other snacks, and is also a healthy alternative to calorie-laden mayonnaise dips.
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