Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 Cups pineapple, diced
- 2 Cups curd or yogurt
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon roasted cumin powder (jeera powder)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander, chopped
- 1 1/4 Cups water
- 1 Cup granulated white sugar
For Tempering (Tadka)
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 2 teaspoons mustard seeds (rai)
- 6 – 8 curry leaves
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons pomegranate pearls
- 2 tablespoons bite-size pineapple cubes
- 1 tablespoon fresh coriander, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Sugar Syrup: In a pot, boil 1 1/4 cups water with 1 cup granulated white sugar for 8 to 10 minutes until the syrup thickens slightly. Turn off the heat and add fresh pineapple slices to the syrup, allowing them to soak for 10 minutes. Note: Skip this step if using canned pineapple slices.
- Chop Pineapple: After soaking, chop the pineapple slices into small pieces and set aside.
- Whisk Yogurt: Using a wire whisk or hand blender, whisk 2 cups of curd or yogurt until smooth and creamy.
- Add Spices: To the whisked yogurt, add salt to taste, 1 tablespoon roasted cumin powder, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, and 1 teaspoon chaat masala. Whisk again to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Combine Pineapple and Coriander: Add the chopped pineapple pieces and 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped coriander into the yogurt mixture. Mix well and adjust sugar or spices as needed according to your preference.
- Prepare Tempering (Tadka): Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add 2 teaspoons mustard seeds and 6 to 8 curry leaves. Once the mustard seeds start popping, remove the pan from heat.
- Assemble Raita: Pour the hot tempering over the pineapple raita mixture to infuse flavor.
- Garnish: Garnish the raita with 2 tablespoons pomegranate pearls, 2 tablespoons bite-sized pineapple cubes, and 1 tablespoon fresh chopped coriander leaves for freshness and color.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pineapple raita until ready to serve to enhance the flavors and provide a cooling effect.
- Serve: Serve the Pineapple Raita chilled as a refreshing accompaniment to spicy Indian dishes or as a light snack.
Notes
- If using canned pineapple slices, you can skip making the sugar syrup and soaking step.
- Adjust the quantity of red chili powder and chaat masala to suit your spice preference.
- The tempering adds an aromatic flavor but can be omitted for a simpler version.
- This raita is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- Using fresh pineapple ensures the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian