Cucumber raita is a traditional Indian condiment made from yogurt and cucumbers and seasoned with various herbs and spices. This refreshing raita is a popular accompaniment to Indian meals.
Cucumber raita is a very simple to prepare side dish and requires just a few ingredients. The combination of creamy yogurt, crisp cucumbers, and aromatic seasoning creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
It’s often served alongside spicy & flavorful meals like biryanis, curries & kebabs. The creamy and refreshing nature of cucumber raita helps soothe the palate and provides a contrast to the bold and intense flavors found in Indian cuisine.
Main ingredients for cucumber raita
To prepare cucumber raita you will need the following ingredients –
- Cucumbers – Choose fresh crispy cucumbers for the best taste and texture. The cucumbers are generally peeled and then can be grated or finely chopped as per your preference. Some people might also prefer to deseed the cucumbers.
- Curd (yogurt) – Fresh plain yogurt forms the base of the dish. The curd used should be on the thicker side, greek yogurt works well here. Do not use very sour curd.
- Fresh herbs – Coriander or mint leaves go very well for added freshness, color and as garnish. You can also add finely chopped green chillies for added spice.
- Spices – The raita is seasoned with roasted cumin powder, black pepper powder, dried mint powder, red chilli powder and rock salt. However, you can vary the spices as per your preference. Chaat masala can also be added.
Difference between cucumber raita & tzatziki
Cucumber raita shares many similarities with tzatziki, which is a very popular Mediterranean dip. Both the dishes have similar ingredients as they are made with yogurt & cucumbers, and are creamy, refreshing and cooling.
While cucumber raita is most commonly accompanies Indian meals like curries & biryanis, tzatziki is often served with Mediterranean dishes such as gyros, souvlaki, falafel, and grilled meats. Both dips provide a cooling element complementing the savory flavors of the dishes.
However there are some notable differences between both the dishes, which mainly comes from the spices used in flavoring them. Cucumber raita is generally seasoned with cumin, mint, chaat masala etc. While tzatziki gets its distinct taste from ingredients garlic, dill, lemon juice and olive oil which add sharpness and tang to the dip.
Health benefits of cucumber raita
This raita is not only delicious but forms an important part of a balanced Indian diet. The base of the raita is yogurt, which is a good source of protein and calcium. The cucumbers are a good source of fiber as well as vitamin C and other minerals.
The spices like cumin, mint, pepper, rock salt etc. used in making the raita aid digestion, and help balance out a heavy meal.
Serving Suggestions
The cooling raita is a very versatile accompaniment to a large variety of dishes –
- Biryanis & pulaos – You can serve it alongside any spicy rice dishes such a veg biryani, veg pulao, tawa pulao etc.
- Indian curries – It also goes well on the side on Indian breads like roti or naan along with some curry like aloo beans, aloo gobi, bhindi ki sabzi etc.
- Dip or spread – You can also serve it as a dip for chips or vegetable sticks. It can also be used as a spread for wraps and rolls, used as a dressing for salads or served on the side of grilled kebabs.
Cucumber raita is best served chilled. You can make the raita in advance and refrigerate it, which also allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
To make cucumber raita at home follow the detailed step by step recipe with photos posted below.
See more related recipes like :
Cucumber Raita Recipe
Recipe Info
Ingredients For Cucumber Raita Recipe
- 2 Cups Plain Curd (Yogurt)
- ¼ Cup Water or as needed
- 1 Cup Cucumber (Kheera) grated, or finely chopped
- ½ Teaspoon Dried Mint Powder (Pudina)
- ½ Teaspoon Roasted Cumin Powder (Bhuna Jeera Powder)
- ¼ Teaspoon Black Pepper Powder (Kali Mirch)
- ¼ Teaspoon Red Chilli Powder
- ¼ Teaspoon Rock Salt (Kala Namak) or to taste
Step By Step Instructions for Cucumber Raita Recipe
- Take some fresh plain curd or yogurt in a mixing bowl.2 Cups Plain Curd (Yogurt)
- Beat it till it's smooth, adding little bit of water if needed. The yogurt should be of thick consistency.¼ Cup Water
- Add dried mint powder, roasted cumin powder, black pepper powder, red chilli powder and rock salt to the curd.½ Teaspoon Dried Mint Powder (Pudina), ½ Teaspoon Roasted Cumin Powder (Bhuna Jeera Powder), ¼ Teaspoon Black Pepper Powder (Kali Mirch), ¼ Teaspoon Red Chilli Powder, ¼ Teaspoon Rock Salt (Kala Namak)
- Mix all the spices well with the yogurt.
- Add grated or finely chopped cucumber to the bowl.1 Cup Cucumber (Kheera)
- Mix the cucumber and yogurt to make the raita.
- Add fresh coriander leaves. Cucumber raita is ready. If desired, you can sprinkle some red chilli powder, roasted cumin powder or chaat masala on top.
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