Refreshing Mixed Veg Raita Recipe | Easy Indian Raita for Paratha & Roti

If you are looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful Indian side dish, this mixed veg raita is a must-try. Made with fresh curd, crunchy cucumber, onion, tomato, amla, and ginger, this homemade raita pairs perfectly with stuffed parathas, rotis, pulao, or biryani. The addition of roasted jeera powder and fresh coriander gives this cucumber raita a refreshing taste that makes every meal more enjoyable.

Unlike regular plain raita, this vegetable raita has a beautiful mix of textures and flavors. Even those who usually prefer salads over curd-based dishes will enjoy this refreshing Indian raita recipe.

Ingredients Required

• ½ cup fresh curd (yogurt)
• ½ cup chopped cucumber
• ½ cup chopped onion
• ½ cup chopped tomato
• A pinch of grated amla
• Few ginger juliennes
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Spice Mix

• 1 tsp freshly roasted jeera powder
• A pinch of hing (asafoetida)
• Salt as needed

How to Make Mixed Veg Raita

1. Deseed the cucumber and tomato, then finely chop them along with the onion.
2. If you prefer spicy flavors, add finely chopped green chilli.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk the curd until smooth.
4. Add coriander leaves, chopped vegetables, grated amla, and ginger juliennes.
5. Mix in roasted jeera powder, hing, and salt.
6. Combine everything well and chill for a few minutes before serving.

Your healthy homemade mixed veg raita is ready to enjoy.

Serving Suggestion

This easy Indian raita tastes delicious with carrot paratha, stuffed parathas, chapati, pulao, biryani, or even simple dal rice. The cooling curd combined with crunchy vegetables makes it a perfect summer side dish.

Sprouted Green Gram Tofu Curry Recipe | Healthy High-Protein Indian Gravy

Looking for a healthy and protein-rich Indian curry recipe? This Sprouted Green Gram Tofu Curry is a wholesome dish packed with the goodness of sprouted moong dal, tofu, tomatoes, and aromatic Indian spices. It is an excellent choice for anyone looking for nutritious vegetarian meals that are both filling and delicious.

Tofu, made by pressing soy milk, is known for its high protein content, low calories, and essential nutrients like iron, calcium, and magnesium. Combined with sprouted green gram, this curry becomes a powerhouse of plant-based protein and nutrition. Serve it hot with chapati, phulka, or steamed rice for a healthy homemade meal.

Ingredients Required

• 2 cups boiled sprouted green gram (moong dal)
  (Pureed into a smooth paste)
• 2 large tbsp tomato paste
• Tofu cubes
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• 2-inch ginger piece, crushed
• 1 green chilli, finely chopped
• 1 tsp jeera (cumin seeds)

Spice Mix

• ¼ tsp turmeric powder (haldi)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp Everest Kitchen King Masala
• ½ tsp garam masala

Method

Heat oil in a kadai and add jeera, crushed ginger, and chopped green chilli for tempering.

Once the aroma is released, add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

Now add the prepared spice mix and cook for a minute. Add the tomato paste and sauté until the oil starts separating from the masala.

Next, add the pureed sprouted green gram mixture and mix well. Allow the gravy to simmer and cook until thick and flavourful.

Meanwhile, shallow fry the tofu pieces lightly until golden on the edges.

Once the gravy is cooked completely, add the fried tofu cubes and gently mix.

Serve this delicious Sprouted Green Gram Tofu Curry hot with chapati, roti, or rice.

Health Benefits

• Rich in plant-based protein
• High in iron, calcium, and magnesium
• Low-calorie healthy Indian meal
• Great vegetarian curry for lunch or dinner
• Nutritious recipe for fitness and healthy eating

Homemade Tomato Garlic Paste Recipe | Easy Indian Curry Base for Busy Mornings

Want to save cooking time during busy weekdays? This Homemade Tomato Garlic Paste is a simple and flavourful Indian kitchen staple that can instantly elevate your curries, gravies, chutneys, and rice dishes. Made with fresh tomatoes and garlic, this preservative-free paste is perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.

One of the best things about this tomato garlic base is its versatility. You can use it in Indian gravies instead of fresh tomatoes, or simply mix it with salt and red chilli powder to make a quick instant tomato chutney for rushed mornings. Just remember — while grinding, do not add water if you plan to store the paste.

Ingredients Required

• ½ kg tomatoes, chopped
• 20–25 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2–3 tsp oil

Method

Heat oil in a kadai and add the finely chopped garlic cloves.

Sauté on low flame until the garlic turns light golden brown and releases a rich aroma.

Now add the chopped tomatoes and cook on simmer flame. Allow the tomatoes to soften and mash well naturally.

Continue cooking until all the moisture from the tomatoes evaporates. This process may take around 10 minutes and helps the paste stay fresh longer.

Once the mixture cools completely, grind it into a smooth paste without adding water.

Store the prepared Tomato Garlic Paste in a clean airtight container in the refrigerator. Use this flavourful Indian curry base in gravies, curries, tomato rice, masala dishes, or quick chutneys.

Tips for Storage

• Do not add water while grinding if storing for later use.
• Always use a dry spoon while taking the paste from the container.
• Refrigerated paste stays fresh for about one week.
• If water is added, use the paste immediately.

  

Pepper Garlic Tomato Rice Recipe | Easy Indian Comfort Food for Cold & Cough

When kids catch a cold or runny nose, it can be difficult to make them eat properly. During such times, light and comforting homemade meals work best. This Pepper Garlic Tomato Rice is a simple Indian comfort food recipe made with tomatoes, garlic, jeera, and peppercorns — ingredients traditionally used in Indian kitchens during cold and cough season.

The aroma of roasted garlic and pepper blended with tangy tomatoes makes this rice incredibly flavourful and comforting. I prepared this specially for my little one, but the delicious smell filling the house tempted everyone at home to grab a spoonful! This easy tomato rice recipe is perfect for lunch boxes, quick dinners, or soothing meals during seasonal weather changes.

Ingredients Required

• 4–5 tomatoes
  (Cook in a kadai until soft and mushy, then grind into a paste)
• 10–12 garlic cloves
• Few coriander leaves, finely chopped
• 1 tsp jeera (cumin seeds)
• ½ tsp peppercorns, roughly crushed
• 1 cup cooked rice
• Salt to taste
• 3 tsp oil

Method

Finely chop the garlic cloves. Heat 3 tsp oil in a kadai and add the chopped garlic.

Sauté until the garlic turns golden brown and releases a rich aroma. Add the roughly crushed jeera and peppercorn mixture and sauté for another minute.

Now add the prepared tomato paste and allow the mixture to cook well until the raw smell disappears.

Add finely chopped coriander leaves and continue cooking until the excess water evaporates. Add salt to taste.

Finally, add the cooked rice and mix gently until the masala coats the rice evenly.

Serve this warm and flavourful Pepper Garlic Tomato Rice hot with papad, curd, or simply on its own

Radish Moong Dal Curry Recipe | Healthy Indian Mullangi Dal for Rice & Roti

Looking for a simple yet comforting Indian curry recipe? This Radish Moong Dal Curry (also known as Mullangi Dal) is a healthy, homestyle dish made with fresh radish, yellow moong dal, garlic, and mild spices. Popular in many Indian households, this easy dal recipe pairs perfectly with hot rice, chapati, or phulka and makes a nutritious weekday meal.

The mild sweetness of cooked radish combined with creamy moong dal gives this curry a unique taste that is both light and satisfying. If you enjoy traditional Indian comfort food recipes, this wholesome radish dal is definitely worth trying.

Ingredients Required

• 1 cup chopped radish (mullangi) – 200 gm
• 1 tsp jeera (cumin seeds)
• 1 dry red chilli
• 4–5 garlic cloves
• ½ cup moong dal
• ¼ cup chopped onion

(The green leafy top part of the radish can also be added for extra nutrition. This is completely optional.)

Method

Heat 2–3 tsp oil in a vessel or kadai. Add the chopped radish and onions, then sauté well for a few minutes until slightly softened.

Sprinkle a little water if required and allow the radish to cook partially. Meanwhile, pressure cook the moong dal with a pinch of turmeric for one whistle. Add the cooked dal to the radish mixture and cook until both the dal and radish become soft and well combined.

Prepare a simple tempering by heating a little oil and adding minced garlic cloves, jeera, one dry red chilli, and 2–3 curry leaves (optional). Pour this aromatic tempering over the curry.

Finally, add salt to taste and simmer for a minute. Your delicious and healthy Radish Moong Dal Curry is now ready to serve hot with steamed rice or roti.