New Delhi: 

As the summer season approaches, it calls for food that is cooling, light on the stomach and has hydrating properties. Raita is one of the most loved side accompaniments to beat the heat.

Prepared with fresh yoghurt and by adding a few simple ingredients, raita not only helps in refreshing the body but also helps in digestion and keeps you hydrated. Whether you pair it with parathas, biryani, pulao, or consume it as a standalone dish, raita is a must-have during the hot season.

1. Cucumber raita:

The cucumber raita is one of the most loved classic summer raitas, that is loved for its cooling properties. To prepare, just grate or finely chop the cucumber into small pieces. Mix it with whisked yoghurt. Add a pinch of black and white salt, roasted cumin powder, and black pepper to enhance its flavour. Garnish it with fresh mint leaves to give an extra refreshing taste.

2. Mint and coriander raita:

It is an aromatic raita that is perfect for summer. Simply blend it with fresh mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chilli, and a little yoghurt to make it a smooth paste. You can also mix it with whisked yoghurt, add pinch of salt, and enjoy this refreshing, digestive-boosting raita.

3. Boondi Raita: 

This raita is prepared by adding crispy boondi to whisked yoghurt. To prepare this, simply soak the boondis in water before adding it to chilled yoghurt to make it soft. You can also spice it up with black salt, roasted cumin, and chaat masala to give it a tangy twist. It pairs excellently with stuffed parathas, pulao, as well as biryani.

4. Fruit Raita:

This raita is a perfect balance of sweet and savoury taste. The raita includes finely chopped seasonal fruits such as apple, banana, pomegranate, and pineapple that are mixed with yoghurt, honey, and a pinch of black salt. Apart from just being a raita, it is a light and healthy dessert option as well for hot days.

5. Beetroot Raita:

This is one of the healthiest options in raita. Simply grate the beetroot and mix it with yoghurt, salt, roasted cumin and a blend of other spices as per requirement. This raita is loaded with iron, has cooling properties, and helps in digestion, which makes it a great summer dish.

From the classic cucumber raita to the sweet and tangy fruit raita, there are many options that you can explore. Each and every variety is loaded with cooling properties and important nutrients, which makes them a perfect summer condiment.

What makes raita best is that it is quick and easy to prepare, and just needs a few ingredients. You can make a variety of raitas using vegetables such as cucumber, beetroot, onion, tomatoes, or even add boondi, fruits, and herbs to customise as per your reference.

Spices such as roasted cumin, black salt, and chaat masala helps in enhancing the taste, which makes it more delicious and appetizing.

Having raita during summer not only helps in digestion but also delivers a refreshing and hydrating component to the overall meal.

Here are five easy and tasty raita recipes that you can prepare in minutes to enhance your meal experience in summer:

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