Grated Cucumber Raita Recipe
Introduction
Delight in the refreshing taste of Grated Cucumber Raita, a classic Indian side dish that perfectly complements spicy curries and fragrant rice dishes. This simple yet flavorful preparation is a wonderful way to cool your palate while adding a nutritious touch to your meal. With its creamy texture and aromatic spices, this raita is bound to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cucumber (grated) | 1 medium-sized |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1 cup |
| Cumin (Jeera) seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | ½ tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Coriander (Dhania) leaves | A few sprigs (for garnish) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~50 |
| Protein | ~3g |
| Carbohydrates | ~6g |
| Fat | ~2g |
| Fiber | ~1g |
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Preparation Time
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 5 minutes |
| Cooking | 0 minutes |
| Total | 5 minutes |
Instructions
-
Roasting the Cumin:
Begin your culinary journey by taking a small preheated pan and adding the cumin seeds. Sauté them gently, watching as they release their nutty aroma and start to turn a lovely brown color. This should take just a few minutes. Once the seeds are roasted to perfection, turn off the heat and transfer them to a bowl to cool. -
Grinding the Cumin:
Once the roasted cumin seeds have cooled, place them in a mortar and pestle. Grind them to a fine powder, releasing their essential oils and flavors, which will enhance the raita. -
Mixing the Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, whisk the yogurt until it is smooth and creamy. To this, add the grated cucumber, freshly ground cumin powder, red chili powder, and salt. Stir the mixture well to ensure that all the ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. -
Finishing Touches:
Finally, chop a few sprigs of fresh coriander leaves and fold them into the raita for a burst of freshness and color. -
Serving Suggestions:
Your Grated Cucumber Raita is now ready to be served! Pair it with a comforting bowl of Green Moong Dal Pulao with Vegetables or enjoy it alongside Punjabi Aloo Paratha for a wholesome, satisfying meal that tantalizes your taste buds and offers a cooling effect after those spicy bites.
Conclusion
Grated Cucumber Raita is not only easy to prepare but also a versatile addition to your dining table, elevating the flavors of any Indian meal. Enjoy its creamy texture and refreshing taste that balance out richer dishes. This recipe is sure to impress your guests and become a staple in your home cooking. Bon appétit!
