August 24, 2023

Boondi Raita – Dahi Boondi

Name: Boondi Raita - Dahi Boondi
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Boondi (+2 tbsp for garnishing. I used masala boondi); 1.5 cup Yogurt (thick); 1 tbsp Cilantro (chopped); 1/4 tsp Red chili powder; 1/8 tsp Black pepper powder; 1/4 tsp Cumin powder (roasted); 1/8 tsp Black salt; 1/4 tsp Salt or as required; 1 1/4 tsp Sugar or as required

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Boondi Raita is a mildly spicy and refreshing Indian dip recipe. It is a simple, quick, and extremely easy recipe which comes together in under 10 minutes. This raita pairs beautifully with pulao, biryani, and parathas as a side dish. There is no cooking involved to make this delicious recipe, which is a big bonus!

There are various types of raitas in Indian cuisine. Boondi raita is one of the most popular raita around the world. It is a refreshing dip recipe which can be served with a variety of Indian dishes as a dipping sauce.

Make this delicious, easy to make, refreshing raita recipe for your next get togethers. Involve kids to make this no cook recipe as a fun activity. Serve this raita along with some pulao for an easy lunch box recipe.

Dahi Boondi is made with yogurt, boondi, spices, sugar, and cilantro. Boondi is a key ingredient for this amazing recipe. The tiny, crispy, and fried chickpea (besan) flour balls are called “Boondi” in Hindi language.

What Is Raita?

Raita is an Indian dip made with whisked yogurt (dahi). The spices, salt, and sugar is added into a smooth and creamy yogurt. Once the base is prepared, other ingredients like fruits, veggies, herbs, or boondi are added.

There are varieties of raitas prepared in Indian cuisine. Cucumber raita, mixed veggie raita, banana raita, grapes raita, and many more.

Boondi raita is one of the easiest raita to make with tiny fried chickpea flour balls. Boondi is soaked in the water until softened, combined with flavored yogurt, and topped with cilantro and crispy boondi.

Ingredients

Boondi
Yogurt
Cilantro
Red chili powder
Black pepper powder
Cumin powder
Black salt
Salt
Sugar

Boondi Raita Step by Step Recipe

In a bowl, soak the boondi in 1.5 cup water for 5-7 minutes.

Once the boondi are softened, transfer them to a colander to remove excess water if any. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, add some yogurt and whisk until smooth and creamy.

Transfer all the spices – red chili powder, black pepper powder, cumin powder, black salt, regular salt, and sugar.

Whisk all the ingredients to blend them well with the yogurt.

Add some cilantro leaves, softened boondi, and gently mix. Taste the raita and adjust the spices according to your taste.

Garnish the boondi raita with 2-3 tbsp crispy boondi, cilantro, and sprinkle some spices.

Tips For Making Boondi Raita

Soaking the boondi in some water helps them turn soft. If you add boondi directly in the yogurt, the raita will become too thick – the boondi will soak up in the yogurt.
Do not leave the boondi raita outside for more than 2 hours or yogurt will turn sour.
Adding some sugar will balance the sourness of the yogurt and make it taste amazing.
Always add ½ cup boondi to ¾ cup plain yogurt ratio for the best consistency.
Sometimes ready-made yogurt is too thick than homemade yogurt. If the consistency of the raita is thick then add 2-3 tbsp water or milk in the recipe.
Always use fresh yogurt while making the raita.
If the yogurt is too sour then add some more sugar in the recipe.

Variations

I have used store bought masala boondi in the recipe but you can use plain one for this recipe as well.
Soak the boondi in warm water to make it more soft and plump.
You can add some chaat masala in the raita if you like.
Skip adding the black salt and simply use regular salt.
Adding the crispy boondi on the top before serving is completely optional.
You can add some pomegranate arils for some beautiful flavor in the dish.

How To Store Boondi Raita?

Dahi Boondi can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

Keep the raita in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Sprinkle some cilantro and crispy boondi just before serving.

How To Serve Boondi Raita?

It tastes so good with vegetable biryani or paneer biryani. You can serve this raita with any veg pulao, spinach rice, or jeera rice along with some dal fry, dal makhani, or green split peas dal.

It goes very well with curries like rajma, chole, dum aloo, veg korma, veg diwani handi, palak paneer, or paneer tikka masala.

Dahi Boondi can be served along with avocado paratha, methi paratha, palak paratha, spiced paratha, or aloo paratha.

DID YOU LIKE THIS RECIPE?

If you’ve tried the Boondi Raita recipe then don’t forget to rate it.

I will love to hear from you!

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