BRINJAL RAITA

Brinjal Raita

Brinjal raita is a delicious and humble dish made with yoghurt or curd, fried brinjal, spices and herbs to add a zing to the dish. Brinjal raita is a unusual and unique dish as most people are very familiar with the cucumber raita, carrot raita, onion tomato raita etc etc.

Brinjal the Shahenshah (King) of vegetables is a very versatile veggie which can be cooked in various ways. From adding it into a simple raita to making Baingan ka bhartha or Gutti Vankai Kura (Brinjal Masala curry) gives a unique flavor and taste. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari in India, Brinjal is very popular and is prepared in different styles to suit the regional culture and taste.

Brinjal raita is also mildly spiced, subtle and outrageously delicious. It goes excellent accompanied with roti, paratha, naan or rice. In Southern India, brinjals are chopped into cubes and used in making stir-fry curries or adding them with potatoes and other vegetables to make delicious gravy dishes. Brinjal chutney is also a very popular dish in the south and north India. Vangi bhath, a brinjal spiced flavored rice a delectable and scrumptious dish prepared in the state of Karnataka. A dish that is served during festivals, parties etc. It’s a very popular vegetarian delicacy.

This veggie is also widely used in pickling and added to the sambar (lentil stew) which enhances the taste and flavor of the dish. Brinjal combined with yoghurt makes a healthy combination as Brinjal is a low calorie and fats but rich in soluble fiber content. The same with the yoghurt as it taste extremely wonderful and has many health benefits.  Yogurt has protein, calcium and is a good source of riboflavin, vitamin B 12. It contains friendly bacteria which is good for you. Compared to milk it has more calcium, protein because of the added cultures. Apart from making the raita, yoghurt is used in various recipes like making several delicious dips, marinating meat, poultry or fish dishes and preparing a luscious lassi either sweet or salt.

About the important elements in the Indian and South Asian cooking are the use of sauce and condiments that are served to add punch to the main dishes. Raita is one such preparation that is modest and blends exceptionally well with any spicy dish or rice or Indian flat breads.

For preparing this palatable Brinjal raita, wash and thinly slice the brinjals lengthwise. Marinate these with the chilli, turmeric and salt.

Heat a shallow pan and fry the marinated brinjal slices until they become soft and mushy (this would take just few minutes). Remove from the pan and keep aside. In the meantime whisk the curd in a bowl and the skinned and crushed garlic and salt and let it sit in the refrigerator for some time.

Just before serving add the fried brinjals and sprinkle some freshly ground jeera powder with some coriander leaves. Garlic and ground jeera powder enhances the flavor and taste of the brinjal raita.

Do not miss on preparing this unique and special Brinjal flavors with subtle and mild flavors. Click on the link for the detailed recipe at:

http://www.vahrehvah.com/brinjal+raita:1532

Eating raita tastes wonderful as you would surely gain many health benefits from the yoghurt. Curd is easier to digest and improves natural defense. It is also a healthy way to get calcium for the human body. Raita is smooth, creamy and prevent any stomach infections and relieves ulcers. Hence you should try this and not miss these amazing ways of eating healthy food.