Biryani is a lavish dish that has been a part of dining since the Mughal era. The favourite dish of kings and emperors, it can now be enjoyed by anyone at various Indian restaurants across the world.
From meaty to veggie versions, biryani is indulgent when prepared by adding saffron, cinnamon, cardamom and other spices.
Nowadays a common pairing that is much preferred by the Calgarian is raita and biryani. They enjoy biryani with raita because it works as a cooling companion.
This yogurt-based side dish tastes best as it milds the spiciness of biryani and enhances the flavour experience. Whether you prefer Biryani Calgary with plain raita or mixed raita, the taste this side dish adds is memorable.
Plain Raita Pairing
One pairing that you cannot resist is plain raita and biryani. Yes, the creamy texture of plain raita adds depth of aroma and taste to biryani making it more enticing. The simple blend of yogurt with a pinch of salt, cumin, red chilli and black pepper works like magic.
The zest of these spices enhances the cooling contrast of the yogurt and brings flavour perfection to the biryani. The tangy taste of raita balances the biryani flavour which brings freshness to the palate. It is the best option to pair plain raita with biryani as it tones down the heat of a spicy biryani. Raitas make this Indian dish more enjoyable for those who prefer milder flavours.
Mixed Raita Pairing
While plain raitas are a classic choice, mixed raita offers are good to pair when you have more depth of complex flavours and texture. Mixed raita is prepared by adding chopped veggies such as cucumber, carrot, onion and others to yogurt which offers a delightful crunch and a burst of colour.
The addition of these ingredients introduces a balance of sweetness and crunch that complements the rich, spiced biryani.
Cucumber, which is the most common vegetable used in mixed raita, is particularly refreshing, helping to cool down the spiciness of the biryani.
Some restaurants add herbs like mint or cilantro to give the raita a refreshing aroma that pairs perfectly with the fragrant rice and spices in the biryani.
Benefits of Eating Raita
Probiotic-Rich: You may have heard or read somewhere that yogurt works as a probiotic drink. Yes, that’s true because it has beneficial bacteria that promote a healthy gut microbiome. These probiotics improve digestion and reduce bloating.
Good Source of Calcium and Protein: Yogurt is a great source of calcium and protein. Consuming it with a spoonful of biryani keeps your bones and muscles strong. This side dish is a nutritious complement to biryani.
Cooling Properties: Another benefit that raita adds to your meal is its cooling properties. The nature of raita helps neutralize the spiciness of biryani. It makes it easier for food lovers to easily digest the meal. It has soothing properties which milden the heat of the dish.
Added Nutrients from Vegetables: Mixed raita often includes vegetables like cucumbers and carrots, which provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. These ingredients add extra nutrients to the meal while also contributing to the refreshing nature of the raita.
Final Words!
Raita is more than just a side dish. Nowadays it is an essential part of biryani Calgary to bring a better dining experience. The addition of spices and veggies to raita boosts its refreshing contrast which adds depth to the biryani flavour. So, the next time you sit down to enjoy a fragrant plate of biryani, make sure to serve it with a bowl of raita—your taste buds will thank you!