The odd realist can see the Indian side (5)
I believe the answer is:
raita
'the indian side' is the definition.
(raita is an Indian side dish)
'the odd realist can' is the wordplay.
'the odd' indicates alternate letters.
'realist'+'can'='realistcan'
The alternating letters of 'realistcan' are 'RAITA'.
'see' is the link.
(Other definitions for raita that I've seen before include "Cucumber and mint Indian dip" , "Indian dish of chopped cucumber and yoghurt" , "Indian side dish of yogurt and chopped cucumber" , "condiment from India" , "Yogurt, chopped cucumber and spices" .)