Yogurt Mint Chutney or Pudina Raita

Call it a Chutney or a Raita, this 5-Minute Yogurt Mint Chutney or Pudina Raita is zesty, spicy, and easy to make. Pairs beautifully with your pulao, biryanis, and barbecue alike.

This isn't something I grew up making. I grew up devouring it, but learnt how to make it later in life from my sister in law whose a phenomenal cook because every time she makes it I basically drink it.

Does mine taste exactly like hers? Absolutely not.

Is it still damn good? Absolutely yes.

What does this Pudina Raita taste like?

This Yogurt Mint Chutney or Mint Raita is an improved take on the subdued version often served at restaurants in the tiniest container possible. (What is up with that anyway?)

It is fresh tasting because of the mint and yoghurt, tangy from that hit of garlic, with a clean bright assertive spice from the chilies, and a smoky undertone from the cumin powder. A little cilantro tempers the one note brightness of mint.

Is this a chutney or a raita?

People get very riled up about this, but to me it's a po-tay-to pa-tah-to thing. As in it's semantics. I will say when I eat it with barbecue it feels like a chutney and when I copiously drown my rice in it then it feels like a raita!

Ingredients in Pudina ka Raita (Mint Raita)

FAQ: Can you omit the cilantro? Yes. It will give you a sharper brighter taste, still delicious. What about the garlic? Yes, but that tanginess is so good here, try it at least once!

Prepping this Green Raita/ Chutney

My technique for this raita is inspired by the one I use in my Chicken Paratha rolls. I personally like a thicker consistency in my chutneys and raita. It feels more satisfying than the runnier version, so I make a base chutney in a blender, and then adjust with yoghurt and water.

TIP: Before you start you can make quick work of separating your mint leaves from the hardier part of the stalks by running the stalks through a colander.

If you are not using the raita right away you can wait to dilute it and store it in a smaller container.

What do I eat this Yogurt Mint Raita with?

This raita/chutney is excellent with all your favorite barbecue dishes like tikka, bihari chicken, chicken roast, and even drizzled over a mutton raan.

There is something about this zesty spicy concoction that I also truly adore with the mellow heartiness of a Chicken Pulao, Chana Pulao, Tehri, or even a Yakhni Pulao. It also is incredibly good with the aromatic White Chicken Biryani.

Yes, this raita is my "I put this on everything". I also apparently shoot pictures doing it.

As a quick note, many of the above recipes contain a variation on a green raita in the blog post itself. Many of you have made those iterations and can absolutely stick to them, but I would recommend giving this one a go at least once!

Made this recipe? Please review it below!