Watermelon Radish Raita (Yogurt sauce)

Watermelon Radish Raita (Yogurt sauce) by DK on Mar 20, 2012

Watermelon Radish recipes | Indian Recipes

Given that Raita (Indian Yogurt sauce) forms a part of our regular meals, I tend to jazz it up with whatever is available in my fridge on that particular day. Its that versatile. Fruits, vegetables - name it, and a raita is ready for you. I make it a point to include this yogurt based condiment for another main reason - Protein. Since we use Greek yogurt, the amount of protein that it provides is immense.

So on this particular day, I used a special variety of radish namely "Watermelon Radish". Although I happened to know of it much earlier through a colleague, I did not come across it until recently at my Farmer's market. In our market, they had cut a section of the radish (wrapped in plastic wrap) to use as a display piece above the radishes to show how it looks inside. For a good reason, given that it was immensely attractive and eye catchy. See how it looks below? Doesn't it look wonderful?

Cook time: Under 15 min
Prep time: Under 15 min
Serves: 2 people

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups 0% Greek Yogurt + 1/2 cup 2% Milk (see Tips)
1 cup Watermelon Radish, grated (see Tips)
1/2 – 1 tsp roasted cumin powder
Few sprigs of cilantro
Salt to taste (see Tips)
Chilli powder/ground pepper for garnish (optional)
Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Tips

1. Greek Yogurt : Since I use Fat Free variety of Greek Yogurt, I tend to use some milk/water to thin it out since it is extremely thick. If you are using regular plain yogurt, just use 2 whole cups of the yogurt without any additional water/milk. If your yogurt is little sour/tangy, then it would benefit with the addition of milk.
2. Radish: If the skin of the radish seems very tough or if you are using it for the first time, then I would suggest peeling the radish first and then grating. For this post, I have not peeled the skin.
3.Salt: Try the black salt that's available at your local Indian stores. More authentic and tastes delicious with a delicious aroma.

Method

1. Grate the watermelon radish. Set aside.

2. Take the yogurt (and milk/water, if using) along with roasted cumin powder and salt.

3. Beat it until smooth.

4. Add the watermelon radish (you can set aside a little for garnish if desired) along with mint leaves.

5. Mix until combined.

6. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. This step is optional but I personally think that the sitting time helps to mingle the flavors very well.

Serve garnished with the remaining grated radish along with cumin/chilli/pepper powder if you like.

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8 Comments

By anna on Aug 7, 2012

what is watermelon raddish and where u get it?

I have explained what it is in the post. As far as availability goes, i dunno where you live. You can post such question at Chefinyou Facebook Page along with the name of the place where you live. Someone in that area, might be able to help you --DK

By Dianne Davis on Jun 9, 2012

I tasted this radish {watermelon radish} in a salad. It is delicious and absolutely beautiful in a salad. It is a sweet radish that grows well in a cooler climate. I have to order it from a local produce center as it is not a common vegetable, but is well worth it if you are planning a special dinner or event/ Excellent presentation.

By Jasmine on Apr 10, 2012

Havent been able to figure out what watermelon raddish is ? Can u pl let me know ?

By Ramani Hariharan on Mar 22, 2012

:wink: Thanks... Even I thought it is made out of watermelon and radish... whether this watermelon radish is available in Indian market?

I am not really sure.....--DK

By Archana on Mar 21, 2012

i honestly thought you had mixed radish and watermelon to make this salad. I make radish salad regularly but this one really is jazzy.

By Krin on Mar 21, 2012

Very neat blog! It makes me speechless, im learning from you a lot.... Keep posting! Keep it up!:)

Thanks for the kind word Krin :) --DK

By Simi on Mar 20, 2012

This looks beautiful!! I've never seen watermelon radish before but will try looking for in our Farmer's market. I sooooo want to make it now. :wink: DK, I just LOVE your blog. I visit it everyday. Thanks so much for all the wonderful recipes!!

Your comment meant a lot to me. Thank You Simi :) --DK

By sazin on Mar 20, 2012

Your blog is one of the best blogs. I would like to come back again. I am sure of that you are also glad to help every other. Thank you for sharing! Various Cooking Recipe

Thank you so much for the generous comment Sazin. Yes, this blog is a passion and I am glad to be of help to fellow foodies like me - but the fact remains that I benefit more from you all thanks to your inputs and recipe ideas via feedback. --DK