Tomato and Onion Raita Recipe

Tomato and Onion Raita is a refreshing, tangy, and spicy side dish that's a perfect complement to any meal. This traditional Indian dish, with its blend of ripe tomatoes, crunchy onions, and a hint of heat from jalapeno chili, is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Easy to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors, this raita recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to explore new and exciting cuisines.

Photos of Tomato and Onion Raita Recipe

While most of the ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and cilantro are staples in most kitchens, the jalapeno chili might not be as common. When shopping for jalapeno, look for smooth, shiny peppers that are firm to the touch. If you prefer a milder taste, you can remove the seeds and the white membranes inside the chili as that's where most of the heat is concentrated.

Tomato and Onion Raita Ingredients

Red wine or cider vinegar: Adds a tangy flavor that balances out the rich, creamy taste of the raita.

Olive oil: Used to create a smooth, emulsified base for the raita.

Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.

Salt: Brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Freshly ground black pepper: Provides a subtle heat and a layer of complexity.

Tomatoes: The star ingredient, adding freshness and a burst of flavor.

White onion: Adds a bit of crunch and a sharp, slightly sweet flavor.

Fresh cilantro: Gives the raita a refreshing, herbal note.

Jalapeno chili: Adds a spicy kick to the raita, but can be adjusted to taste.

One reader, Gustav Forrester says:

This tomato and onion raita recipe is a game-changer! The combination of fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro creates a burst of flavors. The tangy and refreshing taste is perfect for any meal. It's a must-try for anyone looking to add a zing to their dishes!

Gustav Forrester

Techniques Required for Making Tomato and Onion Raita

How to prepare the marinade: Whisk together red wine or cider vinegar, olive oil, water, sugar, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until well blended.

How to chop the tomatoes and onions: Dice the large ripe tomatoes and finely chop the half medium white onion.

How to handle the jalapeno chili: Remove the seeds and finely chop the small jalapeno chili.

How to mix the raita: Toss the chopped tomatoes, onions, and jalapeno with the marinade until well combined.

How to chill the raita: Cover the raita and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours, before serving.

How to serve the raita: Serve the chilled raita as a refreshing side dish or condiment.

How To Make Tomato and Onion Raita

This raita recipe with tomato and onion is an accessible way to make a traditional Indian condiment. Raita is a yogurt-based sauce with vegetables.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking:

Chill Time: 2 hours

Total: 2 hours 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1cupred wine vinegar,or cider vinegar
2tbspolive oil
1tbspsugar
½tspsalt
¼tspfreshly ground black pepper
3tomatoes,(large, ripe)
½white onion,(medium)
2tbspfresh cilantro,chopped
1jalapeno chili,(small)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk vinegar, oil, 2 tablespoon water, sugar, salt, and pepper until blended.
Add remaining ingredients and toss until well combined.
Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours, before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 143.28kcal
Fat: 9.29g
Saturated Fat: 1.29g
Monounsaturated Fat: 6.61g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.06g
Carbohydrates: 11.56g
Fiber: 2.03g
Sugar: 8.48g
Protein: 1.42g
Sodium: 401.64mg
Calcium: 24.10mg
Potassium: 370.84mg
Iron: 0.83mg
Vitamin A: 56.48µg
Vitamin C: 24.51mg

Technique Tip for Perfecting Tomato and Onion Raita

When preparing the tomatoes for this raita recipe, it's best to deseed them. This prevents the raita from becoming too watery and maintains the rich, creamy texture. Simply cut the tomatoes into quarters and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds before chopping. Additionally, when chopping the onion, make sure to dice it finely to ensure it blends well with the other ingredients and doesn't overpower the dish.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Raita

Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the ingredients in advance to save time during the cooking process.

One-pot meals: Opt for recipes that require minimal pots and pans to reduce cleanup time.

Batch cooking: Cook large quantities of food and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals later.

Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen well-organized to easily locate ingredients and cooking tools.

Use kitchen gadgets: Utilize time-saving kitchen gadgets such as food processors and slow cookers to streamline meal preparation.

Follow a meal plan: Plan your meals for the week in advance to streamline grocery shopping and meal preparation.

Substitute Ingredients For Tomato and Onion Raita Recipe

red wine or cider vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar has a similar acidity and flavor profile, making it a suitable substitute for red wine or cider vinegar in this recipe.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a good substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a touch of sweetness while also bringing a unique flavor to the raita.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a similar level of salinity and enhance the overall flavor of the raita.
freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat and a different dimension of flavor to the raita.
ripe tomatoes - Substitute with English cucumber: English cucumber can provide a refreshing crunch and a mild sweetness similar to ripe tomatoes.
white onion - Substitute with green onion: Green onions can offer a milder flavor and a pop of color to the raita.
fresh cilantro - Substitute with fresh mint: Fresh mint can bring a refreshing and aromatic element to the raita.
jalapeno chili - Substitute with green bell pepper: Green bell pepper can provide a mild heat and a crunchy texture similar to jalapeno chili.

Presenting Tomato and Onion Raita

Elevate the plating: When presenting the tomato and onion raita, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Use a clean, white plate as the base and arrange the raita in a small, elegant bowl or ramekin. Ensure that the raita is neatly placed and garnish with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh cilantro for a pop of color.
Incorporate texture: Add a textural element to the presentation by including a side of crispy papadums or pita chips. The contrast in textures will elevate the overall dining experience and add a delightful crunch to each bite.
Emphasize freshness: Highlight the freshness of the ingredients by incorporating a few slices of ripe tomato and finely sliced white onion as a garnish. This not only adds a burst of color but also emphasizes the use of fresh, high-quality produce.
Balance the flavors: When plating, ensure that the raita is balanced with the right amount of acidity and sweetness. Consider a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar reduction to add a touch of sweetness and depth to the dish.
Attention to detail: Pay attention to the finer details by wiping the edges of the serving dish to ensure a clean presentation. The focus on cleanliness and precision demonstrates a high level of culinary expertise and attention to detail.

Essential Tools for Making Raita

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for making sauces, dips, and for quickly chopping vegetables.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is an essential kitchen tool for combining ingredients, marinating meats, and mixing batters. It comes in various sizes and materials, such as stainless steel, glass, or ceramic.

Storing and Freezing Tomato and Onion Raita

To store the tomato and onion raita, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop and meld together as it sits in the fridge.
If you have leftovers or want to make a large batch ahead of time, you can freeze the raita for longer storage. However, keep in mind that the texture of the tomatoes and onions may change slightly after thawing.
To freeze, transfer the raita to a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace for expansion. Label the container with the date and contents, then place it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to use the frozen raita, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before serving, as some separation may occur during the freezing and thawing process.
If you find that the thawed raita has excess liquid, you can drain it off or gently squeeze the vegetables to remove the excess moisture before serving.
For best quality and flavor, consume the thawed raita within 2-3 days and do not refreeze it.

Random Fact About Tomato and Onion Raita

Raita is a traditional Indian condiment that is often served alongside spicy dishes to help cool the palate. It is made with yogurt and can be flavored with various ingredients such as cucumber, mint, and spices.

Is Making Raita at Home Economical?

This tomato and onion raita recipe is highly cost-effective, utilizing simple and affordable ingredients. The use of tomatoes, onions, and cilantro makes it a budget-friendly option for households. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $5. With a verdict rating of 9/10, this recipe offers a delicious and economical way to incorporate fresh and healthy ingredients into your meals.

Is Tomato and Onion Raita Healthy or Unhealthy?

The tomato and onion raita recipe is relatively healthy, as it primarily consists of fresh vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. These ingredients are low in calories and rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The use of olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. However, there are a few aspects of this recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:

The recipe calls for a significant amount of vinegar, which may be too acidic for some people's taste preferences and digestive systems. Reducing the vinegar or replacing some of it with lemon juice could help balance the flavors while lowering the acidity.
The addition of sugar, although minimal, may not be necessary for a healthy diet. The natural sweetness of the tomatoes should suffice, and omitting the sugar would make the recipe more wholesome.
While the jalapeno chili adds a nice kick of flavor, it may be too spicy for some individuals. Consider making it optional or replacing it with a milder pepper, such as a bell pepper, for a more universally palatable dish.

To further enhance the nutritional value of this tomato and onion raita recipe, you could:

Add more variety of vegetables, such as diced cucumbers or grated carrots, to increase the fiber content and provide a wider array of vitamins and minerals
Include a source of lean protein, like diced grilled chicken or chickpeas, to make the dish more satiating and balanced
Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as mint, cumin, or coriander, to add depth of flavor without relying on salt or sugar
Serve the raita alongside whole grain pita bread or crackers to incorporate more complex carbohydrates and fiber into the meal

Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Raita Recipe

The combination of red wine or cider vinegar, olive oil, and fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and cilantro in this recipe creates a refreshing and tangy raita. However, the use of sugar and jalapeno chili may overpower the natural flavors of the dish. To enhance the overall taste, consider reducing the amount of sugar and adjusting the spiciness of the jalapeno. Additionally, allowing the flavors to marinate for at least 2 hours will help the ingredients meld together, resulting in a more harmonious and delightful raita.

Enhance Your Tomato and Onion Raita Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Tender asparagus spears grilled to perfection and topped with a zesty lemon zest for a burst of flavor

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with the rich flavor of roasted garlic, creating a decadent side dish

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots glazed with honey for a delightful and colorful addition to your meal

Alternative Recipes Similar to Tomato and Onion Raita

Spicy Grilled Shrimp Tacos: Marinate the shrimp in a spicy sauce before grilling and serve in warm tortillas with fresh toppings

Mango Avocado Salsa: Combine ripe mango, creamy avocado, and zesty lime juice for a refreshing and flavorful salsa

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta: Cook tender chicken in a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce, then toss with al dente pasta for a comforting meal

Berry Cobbler: Bake a medley of fresh berries with a sweet biscuit topping for a delicious and comforting dessert

Suggested Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with Raita

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Create a creamy and indulgent pasta dish featuring tender chicken and rich alfredo sauce. Pair it with your favorite pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Beef Stir Fry: Whip up a quick and flavorful stir fry with tender beef and an array of colorful vegetables. The savory and aromatic flavors will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Berry Parfait: Layer fresh berries with creamy yogurt and crunchy granola for a delightful and refreshing parfait. The combination of sweet, tart, and crunchy makes for a perfect dessert option.

Why trust this Tomato and Onion Raita Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, creating a vibrant and flavorful raita. The use of red wine vinegar and olive oil enhances the overall taste and adds a touch of sophistication. The inclusion of jalapeno chili provides a subtle heat, elevating the dish. The careful balance of sugar and salt ensures a harmonious blend of flavors. With a recommended refrigeration time, the ingredients have ample opportunity to meld, resulting in a refreshing and delicious raita that is sure to impress.

Share your thoughts on this Tomato and Onion Raita Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to enhance the flavors!

FAQ:

What type of vinegar can I use for this recipe?

You can use either red wine vinegar or cider vinegar for this recipe. Both will work well to add a tangy flavor to the raita.

Can I use any other type of chili instead of jalapeno?

Yes, you can use other types of chili if you prefer. Serrano or Thai chilies can be good alternatives if you want to adjust the level of heat to your preference.

How long should I refrigerate the raita before serving?

It's best to refrigerate the raita for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. However, you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours for even better results.

Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?

While fresh cilantro is recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried cilantro if that's what you have on hand. Just use a smaller amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

Can I add any other vegetables or ingredients to this raita?

Absolutely! Raita is versatile, and you can customize it to your liking. You can add cucumbers, grated carrots, or even a sprinkle of roasted cumin for extra flavor and texture.