Mathala Naranga Raita or Anar ka raita - Pomegranate raita

Pomegranate raita - A simple and easy to make accompaniment for pulao and biriyani.

A raita is basically a yogurt based dish served with spicy pulaos and biriyanies. There are so many raita varieties in Indian cuisine. It gives a refreshing or a cooling effect in contrast to the hot and spicy pulaos, biriyanis and kababs. It can be made by mixing different varieties of vegetables or fruits in flavoured yogurt (curd). It can be sweet or savoury.

Today's recipe, the pomegranate raita is not only sweet, but lightly spicy also.  I have added some cucumber, chilies and spice powders in addition to pomegranate in order to enhance the flavours. But you can make your own version by adding chopped onions, pomegranate juice, pepper, chat masala etc. In all forms, it is delicious. In this recipe, I have added some sugar to satisfy my taste, if you are looking for a savoury version, then you can avoid that. But I think, sweet version is much appetising than the savoury ones.

One more thing, do not put any big pieces of vegetables in raita, chop all the vegetables (or fruits) except pomegranate, you have to separate its arils from its pod as thinly as possible, then only you can enjoy the taste of all components in one spoon. I have removed the skin and seeds of cucumber before chopping it, if you like the seeds, you can add that also. But only thing is that  it will spread all over the ratia and spoil the appearance of your raita.

I know tomato-onion raita is the most popular one, but try this one also, you will love this.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How to make pomegranate raita | How to make, mathalanaranga raita at home | How to make sweet and spicy pomegranate raita

A refreshing accompaniment for pulao and birinani with yogurt and pomegranate

Preparation time:  5 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minute | Total time:  5 minutes

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cup curd (yogurt)
• 3/4 cup pomegranate arils
• 1/4 cup cucumber, chopped
• 1 green chilly, chopped
• 1/4 to 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 2 teaspoon sugar
• Salt as needed
• Coriander leaves as needed

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Video for pomegranate raita

Instructions for  pomegranate raita

Preparation

1. Take pomegranate arils carefully form its pods and keep aside. 
2. Remove the skin and seed of cucumber and then chop into small squares and set aside.
3. Chop green chilies as thinly as you can, and wash and chop coriander leaves thinly.

Preparation of pomegranate raita

1. Take yogurt in a bowl in which you are planning to prepare the raita. Beat slightly in one direction with a whisk or fork until creamy and smooth. 
   
2. Here I am making its sweet version, so I added some sugar depending on the sourness of curd. If the curd is too sour, then you will need more sugar. Also added a pinch of salt in order to balance the entire taste. If you are looking for a savoury version, then avoid sugar completely and increase the amount of salt and spices. 
   
    
3. Then add some cumin powder and finely chopped green chilies. Do not cut chillies too big, it should be as small as you can. In addition to this, you can also incorporate some chili powder, chat masala, pepper powder etc.
   
4. Now it is the time to put cucumber, green chilies and pomegranate. Reserve a few for garnish. You can put some thinly sliced onion if you like. Do chop cucumber into small squares after removing skin and seed.
   
5. Mix well with a spoon until the salt and sugar dissolve. It should have a sweet taste with a slight aroma of cumin powder. Do a taste test and put salt and sugar if needed.
   
6. Finally, put some finely chopped coriander leaves and give a slight mix.
   
7. The pomegranate raita is ready. Enjoy.
   

Tips and tricks

• Chop vegetables as thinly as you can, big pieces will destroy its appearance and taste.
• You can also incorporate some pomegranate juice to get an attractive light pink colour. 
• In addition to cumin powder, you can use some chat masala, chilli powder, pepper powder, black salt etc. to get a slight different taste. 

                                                                                                                 Happy cooking

                                                                                                                         Anju