Spicy Eggplant Raita

Posted on | September 22, 2010 | 10 Comments |

Eggplant Raita
Anybody who has had any kind of exposure to Indian cuisine must be familiar with the term Raita. Raita is the generic name for a yogurt based side usually served with biryani or Pulao. The cooling effect of the yogurt makes it a welcome addition to any spicy meal, so most Indian restaurants serve Raita with almost all their entrées. Raita is normally made with raw vegetables, but I don’t think there is a rule against using cooked vegetables. At least I am not aware of such a rule, so I am calling this dish Raita too. This is one of my go-to sides for SBD phase 1 meals, goes nicely with some spicy grilled chicken or spicy pan-fried fish.

Ingredients

3/4th cup thinly sliced eggplants
2 tbsp thinly sliced shallots
4 garlic cloves, sliced
1/4 tsp cumin seeds
1/4 tsp red chili powder
Salt to taste
1-2 tbsp oil
1 cup yogurt

Method

Heat the oil in a saucepan and add the shallots and garlic. When the shallots start to brown, add the cumin seeds, red chili powder and salt and cook on low heat for 3-4 minutes.

Increase the heat to high and add the eggplants. Stir fry on high heat for 3-4 minutes more till eggplants are softened and the spices are evenly distributed.

Remove from the heat and let it cool down a bit. Now stir in the yogurt and adjust seasonings.

Category: Eggplant, For Vegetarians, Phase 1, Side Dishes, Vegetarian

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Comments

10 Responses to “Spicy Eggplant Raita”

A&N
September 22nd, 2010 @ 9:22 am
Reply

I love this My granny actually roasts the eggplant on the gas ( I do it in the oven) and mashes it and mixed it with yogurt and does tadka. As simple as that. But I add loads of garlic and lemon to it and sometimes Zatar

Eggplants, I feel, are such versatile veggies – across cuisines!
Srimathi
September 22nd, 2010 @ 1:57 pm
Reply

Lovely clicks as usual. I love eggplant raita. I normally mix yogurt with curds but never thought of the raita. Great idea.
Chitra Nair
September 22nd, 2010 @ 6:53 pm
Reply

This is great…never tried eggplants with raita….
As a child, I hated eggplant. It was only after I grew older, that I started appreciating its flavours. My son (fortunately for me) loves it. Should try this soon!
P
September 23rd, 2010 @ 7:26 pm
Reply

Hello There!!

I love your recipes and have tried many that were a hit. I am interested in knowing more about the SBD diet – not the general philosophy but more around what your experience was, how much weight you lost in the various phases and what your daily menu looked like. Also, have you been combining the diet with physical exercise?

I have also been battling a 20 lb weight gain and i have to say it has been a STRUGGLE trying to shed the excess lbs. Your experience will be valuable.

Thanks!!
Miri
September 24th, 2010 @ 7:25 am
Reply

Looks like a good idea to combine eggplants with yoghurt- havent done that before…
Anu
September 24th, 2010 @ 9:11 am
Reply

That is one beautiful raitha! Thanks for the recipe – will try it soon!
Tanvi
September 24th, 2010 @ 9:15 am
Reply

I m in awe of your photo and recipes Sig….another beautiful recipe from you..lovely!
Jyothsna
September 24th, 2010 @ 1:25 pm
Reply

It’s a cool idea to use eggplants in raita.
pavithra
October 9th, 2010 @ 8:33 pm
Reply

You have wonderful space.. everything looks so delicious.. will be back here often.
shwetha
October 3rd, 2011 @ 9:08 pm
Reply

wow……..looks yummmy….
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