Ash Gourd Raita Recipe – Authentic Indian Cucumber & Coconut Side Dish

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Ash Gourd Raita Recipe – Authentic Indian Cucumber & Coconut Side Dish

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a cooling, refreshing side dish that’s packed with flavor and surprisingly easy to make, you have to try this Ash Gourd Raita. It’s a staple in my family, especially during the hot summer months, and honestly, it’s just…comforting. I first made this when I was trying to find a way to use up a surplus of ash gourd from my garden, and it quickly became a favorite. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ash Gourd Raita (also known as Petha Raita) isn’t just delicious; it’s incredibly versatile. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a spicy meal, a light lunch, or even as a quick snack. The subtle sweetness of the ash gourd, combined with the tang of the curd and the aromatic spices, creates a beautiful balance of flavors. Plus, it’s super quick to whip up – perfect for busy weeknights!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful raita:

• 1 cup ash gourd, grated (about 200g)
• ½ – 1 cup curd (yogurt), whisked (about 120-240ml)
• Salt to taste
• ½ cup coconut, grated (about 60g)
• 3 green chilies, finely chopped
• ½ – 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon oil
• ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon urad dal (split black lentils)
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 2 pinches asafoetida (hing)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Ash Gourd: Benefits and Selection

Ash gourd, or petha as it’s often called, is a wonderfully cooling vegetable in Ayurveda. When choosing, look for one that feels heavy for its size and has a smooth, unblemished skin.

Coconut: Fresh vs. Dried – Which to Use?

Fresh coconut definitely adds the best flavor, but unsweetened desiccated coconut works in a pinch! If using desiccated, you might want to add a tablespoon of warm water to help it blend smoothly.

Green Chilies: Adjusting the Spice Level

I like a little kick, but feel free to adjust the number of green chilies to your preference. Removing the seeds will also reduce the heat.

Cumin Seeds: Roasting for Enhanced Flavor

Dry roasting the cumin seeds for a minute or two before grinding really brings out their aroma. Just keep a close eye on them – they burn easily!

Curd (Yogurt): Choosing the Right Consistency

I prefer using slightly thick curd for this raita. If your curd is too thin, you can strain it through a muslin cloth for about 30 minutes to remove excess water.

Asafoetida (Hing): A Unique Flavor Profile

Asafoetida has a pungent smell in its raw form, but it transforms into a savory, umami-rich flavor when cooked in oil. Don’t skip it – it adds a lovely depth to the raita!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get to the fun part!

1. First, peel, deseed, and grate the ash gourd. You can then microwave it in a bowl for about 4 minutes, stirring twice, or sauté it on the stovetop until it’s softened. This helps release some of the moisture.
2. While the ash gourd is cooking, grind the coconut, green chilies, and cumin seeds into a smooth paste with a little water. A small food processor or blender works great for this.
3. Once the ash gourd is cool enough to handle, mix it with the coconut paste. Let this cool completely – this is important!
4. Add the curd and salt to the mixture. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined.
5. Now for the tempering! Heat the oil in a small pan. Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, add the urad dal and curry leaves, and sauté for a few seconds until the dal turns golden brown. Finally, add the asafoetida.
6. Pour the tempering over the raita. Give it a gentle stir.
7. Serve chilled with rice or parathas. Seriously, it’s so good!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this raita even better:

• Achieving the Perfect Raita Consistency: If the raita is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water or milk to thin it out.
• Preventing the Ash Gourd from Becoming Watery: Grating the ash gourd and then gently squeezing out any excess water before mixing it with the other ingredients will prevent a watery raita.
• Balancing the Flavors: Salt, Chili, and Cumin: Taste as you go! Adjust the salt, chili, and cumin to your liking.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Ash Gourd Raita: Substitute the curd with plant-based yogurt (coconut or cashew yogurt work well).
• Gluten-Free Ash Gourd Raita: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!
• Spice Level Adjustment: Mild to Hot: As mentioned before, adjust the number of green chilies. You can also add a pinch of red chili powder for extra heat.
• Festival Adaptations: Serving During Janmashtami or Summer Festivals: This raita is traditionally made during Janmashtami, a festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna. It’s also incredibly popular during the hot summer months in India due to its cooling properties.

Serving Suggestions

This raita is amazing with:

• Steaming hot rice
• Warm parathas (Indian flatbread)
• Spicy curries
• Biryani
• As a refreshing dip with vegetable sticks

Storage Instructions

Leftover raita can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors might meld even more overnight!

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What is Ash Gourd and is it easily available?

Ash gourd is a large, round, green fruit with a white flesh. It’s commonly used in Indian cuisine and is known for its cooling properties. You can usually find it at Indian grocery stores or Asian markets.

Can I use store-bought coconut paste instead of grinding my own?

Yes, you can! Just make sure it’s unsweetened. However, freshly grated coconut will give you the best flavor.

How can I make this raita ahead of time?

You can prepare the ash gourd and coconut paste ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Then, just mix everything together and do the tempering when you’re ready to serve.

What are the health benefits of ash gourd raita?

Ash gourd is low in calories and rich in nutrients. It’s known to aid digestion, promote hydration, and have cooling properties.

Can I add other vegetables to this raita, like cucumber or carrots?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables. Finely grated cucumber or carrots would be delicious additions.