Indian Cucumber Raita Recipe – A Refreshing Yogurt Dip

Cucumber raita is a popular Indian side dish made with cucumber, yogurt, and aromatic spices. This cooling raita recipe complements spicy Indian curries and dals. Read on to learn how to make easy and delicious Indian cucumber raita at home.

What Is Cucumber Raita?

Cucumber raita is a yogurt-based Indian side dish made with grated cucumber that is mixed with cooled, whisked yogurt and spices like cumin, black salt, red chili powder, and fresh mint. It has a cooling quality that helps balance out spicy Indian food.

The cucumber is grated, salted to draw out excess moisture, drained, and then combined with thick, creamy yogurt. Spices like roasted cumin powder, black salt, and dried mint are added to give it a signature Indian flavor profile. Some additional extras can include minced green chilies for a kick or ginger for extra zing.

This simple yet flavorful yogurt dip pairs excellently as a palate cleanser with hot curries, fried snacks like samosas and pakoras, rice dishes, and more. It not only compliments the meal with its cooling nature but also aids digestion. Cucumber raita can transform into a quick snack or light meal if served with breads or rice too.

Ingredients Needed to Make Cucumber Raita

The simple ingredients needed to make refreshing cucumber raita include:

• Yogurt – 2 cups plain yogurt whisked smooth. Use thick curd for the best texture.
• Cucumber – 1 large cucumber peeled and grated. An English or Persian cucumber works best.
• Spices and herbs – Cumin powder, black salt, dried mint, red chili powder provide the flavor.
• Ginger and Green Chilies (optional) – For a spicy twist.

Now let’s look at how to prepare the cucumber and yogurt for this indian cucumber raita recipe.

Preparing the Cucumber

Cucumber preparation is key for the best tasting cucumber raita:

• Peel 1 large cucumber and grate it on the largest holes of a box grater. Do not use a food processor as it will puree the cucumber.
• Transfer grated cucumber to a sieve and drain for 10 minutes to eliminate excess water. This prevents the raita from getting watery.
• Spread the drained cucumber on paper towels and pat dry. Removing excess moisture is vital in this indian cucumber raita recipe.

Tips for Choosing Cucumbers

• Pick fresh, firm English or Persian cucumbers with thin, edible skin. They contain less seeds and have mild flavor.
• Avoid mature, large regular cucumbers which contain more seeds and make the raita watery.

Now let’s prepare the yogurt.

Preparing the Yogurt

• Whisk 2 cups plain yogurt till smooth. Make sure it is not runny.
• Greek yogurt or curdled homemade yogurt works best as they won’t split when mixed with the cucumber.
• You can use low fat or full fat yogurt. Full fat makes a richer raita.

Tips for Preventing Cucumber Raita from Curdling

• Use thick, creamy yogurt that is not nearing expiration.
• Work quickly while preparing the raita to prevent the yogurt from splitting.
• You can stabilize the yogurt by mixing in 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 Tbsp water.

Flavoring the Indian Cucumber Raita

This easy indian cucumber raita recipe is flavored with just a few spices that take it to the next level. These include:

• 1 teaspoon cumin powder – Provides earthy, nutty aroma
• 1/4 teaspoon kala namak – Adds pungent eggy flavor
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint – Contributes cooling freshness
• Pinch red chili powder – Brings mild heat (optional)
• 1 small green chili, minced – For extra spice (optional)
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger – Adds zing (optional)

Always taste the raita after adding spices to get it just as you prefer – mild or spicy.

Tips for Balancing Flavors

The seasoning is key in this yogurt-based dip. Follow these tips:

• Start with small amounts of spices and add more to taste
• Add salt in increments till flavor pops but not too salty
• Balance cooling mint with warming spices
• Mix in herbs and chili last to preserve fresh flavors

Now let’s put it all together and make Indian restaurant-style cucumber raita.

Putting It All Together

Making this cooling cucumber yogurt dip is very easy:

1. Prepare the grated cucumber and whisked yogurt as described above.
2. In a bowl, mix together the drained cucumber, yogurt and spices.
3. Taste and adjust salt, sugar or spice levels to your preference.
4. Garnish with more mint leaves. Chill for 30 minutes.

That’s all it takes to make this refreshing dip that complements any Indian meal!

Here are some serving tips and variations for this versatile indian cucumber raita recipe:

Serving Tips

• Serve as a dip with samosas, pakoras or parathas
• Accompany it with spicy curries like dal makhani or aloo gobi
• Use as a spread in wraps or vegetarian sandwiches
• Top it on flatbreads like naan or bhatura
• Mix it with rice dishes like pulao or biryani

Make it a Meal

• For a quick, light lunch or dinner, enjoy cucumber raita with:
  • Hot jeera rice
  • Herb-flecked roti/paratha
  • Dal fry
  • Achar or papad on the side

Variations

This simple indian cucumber raita recipe transforms into other refreshing yogurt dips with a few easy substitutions:

Other Vegetables

Try grated:**

• Carrots
• Beets
• Tomatoes
• Radish
• Bell peppers
• Zucchini

Other Herbs

Replace the mint with chopped:

• Cilantro
• Dill
• Basil
• Chives

Fruits

For sweet contrast, add chopped/sliced:

• Mango
• Pineapple
• Pomegranate
• Apple

Nuts and Seeds

Add protein-rich crunch with:

• Toasted cumin seeds
• Chopped roasted peanuts
• Finely chopped almonds
• Roasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds

Just adjust spices to complement the additions.

Now that you know how to put together this easy indian cucumber raita recipe, let’s look at some serving ideas.

What to Serve with Cucumber Raita

This cooling cucumber yogurt dip pairs well with hot, spicy foods. Enjoy it with:

• Samosas – Fried savory pastries stuffed with spiced potatoes etc
• Pakoras – Crispy vegetable fritters
• Parathas – Pan-fried flatbreads
• Dal fry – Spiced lentil stew
• Chole – Chickpea curry
• Baingan bharta – Smoky eggplant
• Kebabs – Grilled meats or paneer
• Any spicy curry!

The possibilities are endless. Cucumber raita cools the palate perfectly between bites of fiery dishes.

Storing and Freezing Cucumber Raita

Here are some tips to store this yogurt dip:

• Place prepared raita in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 5 days.
• The surface may darken due to oxidation but just mix the discolored layer into the raita.
• To freeze, transfer into freezer-friendly containers leaving 1-inch headspace. Freeze for up to 6 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Mix well before use.

Now let’s get to the most frequently asked questions about this popular Indian dip.

FAQs

Get answers to all your queries on making and serving this yogurt-based accompaniment:

Is cucumber raita gluten free?

Yes, when made with yogurt and spices that are certified gluten-free. Use gluten-free oats if adding them.

Can I make low fat cucumber raita?

Yes, use low-fat or fat-free curd/yogurt. Taste may slightly vary.

Why does my raita become watery?

Excess water from the cucumber can make raita watery. Be sure to salt, drain and squeeze out moisture from grated cucumber before adding to yogurt.

What can I do if the raita curdles?

Add a pinch of baking soda in curdled raita and whisk vigorously to smooth it out.

Is cucumber raita keto friendly?

Plain cucumber raita made with Greek yogurt is keto compliant. Avoid added fruits/nuts.

Is cucumber raita good for weight loss?

Yes, being low in fat and calories it makes for a healthy inclusion in a weight loss diet.

I hope this comprehensive guide helps you learn how to make flavorful indian cucumber raita recipe easily at home! What are you planning to serve it with?

Conclusion

Cucumber raita perfectly cools spicy Indian dishes. It blends curative yogurt, crisp cucumber, and aromatic spices. The ingredients boost flavor and aid digestion. Get the seasoning right to balance mild and spicy tastes. Make the chopped veggies first for quick mixing with fresh yogurt later. This keeps the dip from getting watery. The versatile raita also snacks well with breads or rice. It takes just minutes to whisk up this sublime side. So elevate your Indian meals with this refreshing, crowd-pleasing cucumber raita.