Imagine the warm winter sun and hot aloo parathas on the dining table... but wait, don't you feel something is missing? Yes, that missing element is Bathua Raita.

Often, we hesitate to eat yogurt in winter, but bathua is a magical vegetable with a warming effect. When combined with yogurt, it not only creates an explosion of flavor but also becomes an "elixir" for your health. While everyone knows how to make raita, the secret to this recipe lies in its 'special tempering'. Let's find out how.

Ingredients for Bathua Raita:
Bathua: 250 grams (leaves only, stems removed)
Yogurt: 2 cups (fresh and thick)
Green chilies: 1-2 (finely chopped)
Roasted cumin powder: 1 teaspoon
Black salt: to taste
Salt: to taste
Red chili powder: a pinch (optional)
Mustard oil: 1 tablespoon (this is what gives the authentic flavor)
Cumin seeds: half a teaspoon
Asafoetida: 1 pinch
Garlic: 2-3 cloves (finely chopped)

Method for making Bathua Raita:
First, wash the bathua leaves thoroughly 2-3 times with water to remove all the dirt. Now, take some water in a pot and boil the bathua for 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft.

After boiling, drain the water from the bathua and let it cool. Once cooled, grind it coarsely in a blender. Do not make a very fine paste; a little texture in the mouth enhances the taste.

The magic of yogurt: Take the yogurt in a large bowl and whisk it well with a whisk or a hand blender until it becomes creamy. Now, add the ground bathua leaves, chopped green chilies, roasted cumin powder, black salt, and regular salt to the yogurt and mix well.
Next, heat mustard oil in a small tempering pan. When the oil starts to smoke slightly, reduce the heat and add cumin seeds and asafoetida.

Now add the finely chopped garlic and sauté until golden brown. Immediately pour this hot tempering over the raita and cover the bowl with a plate for 2 minutes.

Covering it will allow the aromatic flavors of asafoetida and garlic to infuse into the raita. After 2 minutes, remove the lid and mix gently.

That's it, your super-tasty bathua raita is ready! Serve it with hot parathas, pulao, or dal-rice. Believe me, it tastes so good that your stomach will be full, but your heart will still crave more.

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