Masala raita is a quick Indian yogurt-based side dish layered with onions, cilantro, and warm spice powders including chaat masala and roasted cumin. It's served chilled as a cooling complement to spiced curries and rice dishes.
¼ teaspoon black salt (or add regular salt as required)
8 Ingredients
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Instructions
1
In a small bowl take 1 cup fresh dahi (curd or yogurt).
2
With a wired whisk, whip till smooth.
3
Now add ⅓ cup finely chopped onions and 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves.
4
Add all the spice powders including salt as required. Mix very well.
5
Serve masala raita as a side dish with roti-sabzi or dal rice combo or pulao-biryani.
6
While serving you can garnish the dahi raita with some chopped coriander leaves, red chili powder, chaat masala powder and roasted cumin powder.
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Tips & Notes
Pro tips
Use fresh, cold yogurt for the best taste; avoid yogurt nearing its expiration date.
Toast the cumin seeds lightly in a dry pan before grinding to deepen the roasted flavor.
Chop onions finely and add just before serving to maintain crunch; if added early, they soften and release excess moisture.
Taste and adjust salt gradually—black salt adds an earthy note, but regular salt works if unavailable.
Substitutions
Fresh or chilled curd → Greek yogurt (dilute with 2–3 tbsp water or milk)
Coriander leaves (cilantro) → fresh mint leaves or parsley (2 tbsp)
Chaat masala powder → ¼ tsp amchur powder + pinch of asafoetida (hing)
Black salt → regular table salt (adjust to taste)
Storage & make-ahead
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days; stir well before serving. Best served fresh, within a few hours of preparation.
Common Questions
Can I make masala raita ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add fresh cilantro and adjust salt just before serving to maintain texture and flavor.
What's the difference between raita and masala raita?
Plain raita is yogurt with just salt and cumin; masala raita includes multiple spice powders (red chilli, black pepper, chaat masala) and fresh onions for extra flavor.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of regular curd?
Greek yogurt is thicker; thin it with 2–3 tablespoons of water or milk to match the consistency of regular yogurt-based raita.
How do I make this spicier?
Increase red chilli powder to ½ teaspoon and add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also add finely minced green chilies.
Should the yogurt be cold when mixing?
Yes, use chilled or cold yogurt for the best taste and texture. Mix spices just before serving to keep flavors bright.