Creamy Avocado Raita Recipe – Indian Yogurt Dip with Cilantro

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Creamy Avocado Raita Recipe – Indian Yogurt Dip with Cilantro

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for ways to sneak in some extra goodness into your meals. And let me tell you, this Creamy Avocado Raita is a total game-changer. It’s fresh, it’s vibrant, and it’s unbelievably easy to make. I first whipped this up when I was craving something cooling alongside a spicy curry, and it’s been a staple ever since! It’s the perfect blend of Indian flavors with a healthy, modern twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Avocado Raita isn’t just delicious; it’s a lifesaver on hot days! It’s incredibly refreshing, takes just minutes to prepare, and adds a beautiful creamy texture to any meal. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get in some healthy fats and a boost of vitamins. Honestly, what’s not to love?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this magic:

• 1 whole avocado
• ½ cup chopped cilantro leaves (about 30g)
• ½ cup thick yogurt (about 120ml)
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients – a few little things can make all the difference!

Avocado Selection & Ripeness

You want an avocado that yields to gentle pressure, but isn’t mushy. A perfectly ripe avocado will make this raita incredibly creamy. If it’s a little firm, let it sit at room temperature for a day or two.

Cilantro – Freshness and Quantity

Fresh cilantro is key here. Dried cilantro just won’t give you the same bright, zesty flavor. I love a generous amount, but feel free to adjust to your preference. About ½ cup loosely packed is perfect for me.

Yogurt – Choosing the Right Consistency (Dahi Varieties)

Thick yogurt is what you want! In India, we have so many amazing dahi (yogurt) options. If you can find it, use hung curd – it’s yogurt that’s been strained to remove excess water, making it extra thick and creamy. Otherwise, Greek yogurt works beautifully too. Avoid runny yogurt, as it will make the raita too thin.

Salt – Balancing the Flavors

Don’t underestimate the power of salt! It really brings all the flavors together. Start with a pinch and add more to taste.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s seriously simple.

1. First, scoop out the flesh of your avocado into a blender.
2. Add the chopped cilantro and yogurt to the blender.
3. Now, add a pinch of salt. Remember, you can always add more later!
4. Blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy – about 1-2 minutes should do the trick.
5. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. More salt? A little squeeze of lime juice for extra zing? Go for it!
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Alternatively, if you prefer a bit of texture, you can mash the avocado with a fork, then mix in the finely chopped cilantro and yogurt. It’s a lovely rustic version.

Expert Tips

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

Achieving the Perfect Consistency

If your raita is too thick, add a tablespoon of water or yogurt at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more yogurt.

Preventing Avocado Browning

Avocado can brown quickly once exposed to air. To prevent this, add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to the raita. You can also press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the raita if you’re storing it.

Blending vs. Mashing – Texture Preferences

Blending gives you a super smooth, luxurious raita. Mashing creates a more rustic, textured dip. It really comes down to personal preference! My family loves it both ways.

Variations

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

Vegan Avocado Raita (Plant-Based Yogurt Options)

Absolutely! Just swap the dairy yogurt for your favorite plant-based yogurt – coconut yogurt or cashew yogurt work wonderfully.

Spice Level – Adding Green Chilies or Chaat Masala

For a little kick, add a finely chopped green chili or a sprinkle of chaat masala. My friend, Priya, loves adding a pinch of red chili powder too!

Regional Variations – South Indian Coconut & Avocado Raita

In South India, they often add grated coconut to their raitas. Try adding 2 tablespoons of grated coconut for a delicious twist.

Festival Adaptations – Serving with Holi or Diwali Snacks

This raita is fantastic with festive snacks like samosas, pakoras, or even alongside a light biryani during Holi or Diwali.

Serving Suggestions

This Avocado Raita is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas:

• As a cooling dip with spicy Indian curries.
• As a spread for sandwiches or wraps.
• As a healthy snack with veggie sticks.
• Alongside grilled meats or fish.

Storage Instructions

This raita is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Keep in mind that the avocado may brown slightly over time, even with lemon juice.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What is Raita and where does it originate?

Raita is a traditional Indian side dish – essentially a yogurt-based dip. It’s incredibly popular, especially during warmer months, as it helps cool down the palate. Raita originated in the Indian subcontinent and has been a part of Indian cuisine for centuries.

Can I make this raita ahead of time?

You can, but it’s best made shortly before serving. The avocado can brown, and the flavors are freshest when it’s just made.

What can I serve with Avocado Raita?

So many things! Spicy curries, grilled meats, veggie sticks, samosas, pakoras… the possibilities are endless!

Can I use frozen avocado for this recipe?

While fresh avocado is best, you can use frozen avocado in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain off any excess liquid before using.

How do I adjust the thickness of the raita?

Add a tablespoon of yogurt to thicken, or a tablespoon of water to thin. It’s that simple!

Enjoy making this delicious and healthy Avocado Raita! I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!