Cucumber Raita – Cooling Cucumber Yogurt Delight
Description:
Cucumber Raita is a refreshing and light accompaniment to many Indian dishes. It’s made with grated cucumber and creamy yogurt, flavored with a touch of spices like garam masala and Kashmiri chili powder. Perfect for cooling down spicy meals, this dish is not only simple to make but also adds a burst of flavor and texture to your table.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Serves: 4
- Dietary Information: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cucumber (with skin, grated) | ½ cucumber (adjust as desired) |
| Low-fat natural set yogurt (or Greek) | 200 ml |
| Garam masala | 1 tsp |
| Kashmiri chili powder | 1 tsp |
Instructions
-
Grate the Cucumber:
Start by carefully grating the cucumber with the skin on. The skin adds an extra bit of texture and nutrients to the raita. -
-
Squeeze Excess Liquid:
Using a clean cloth or simply your hands, squeeze out any excess liquid from the grated cucumber. This step prevents the raita from becoming too watery. -
Mix the Ingredients:
Transfer the drained cucumber into a small bowl. Add the yogurt to the bowl and sprinkle in the garam masala. Stir everything together until the cucumber is evenly coated with the yogurt mixture. -
Add the Finishing Touch:
Just before serving, lightly dust the top of the raita with Kashmiri chili powder for a mild heat and a splash of vibrant color.
Tips for Serving:
- Pair it with: This Cucumber Raita pairs wonderfully with spicy curries, biryanis, or as a cooling dip with flatbreads.
- Adjust to taste: If you prefer a thicker consistency, opt for Greek yogurt. You can also add finely chopped mint or cilantro for extra freshness.
- Customize it: Feel free to add a pinch of roasted cumin powder for a deeper, earthy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 55 kcal |
| Protein | 3.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 50 mg |
| Sugar | 4 g |
This simple and delicious Cucumber Raita is a must-have side dish, especially when you want something cool and creamy to balance out a spicy meal. Enjoy the blend of refreshing cucumber and the aromatic spices in every spoonful!
