Cucumber Raita Recipe 🥒
Overview:
Cucumber Raita is a delightful, cooling sauce that perfectly complements spicy curries and other hot dishes. With its refreshing taste and creamy texture, it’s an essential addition to any Indian-inspired meal. This recipe yields approximately 2 cups of raita and is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring no cooking at all. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore its vibrant flavors!
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/2 cucumber
- 1 1/2 cups plain nonfat yogurt
- 6 green onions
- 1-3 green chilies
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Let’s get started!
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Place the cucumber into a sieve and sprinkle with salt. Mix well and allow it to sit over a sink or other place to drain for about half an hour. This step helps remove excess moisture from the cucumber. |
| 2 | After draining, pat the cucumbers dry with paper towels to ensure they’re not too watery. This will help maintain the desired consistency of the raita. |
| 3 | In a mixing bowl, combine the plain nonfat yogurt with salt to taste. Stir until well incorporated. |
| 4 | Add the drained cucumber to the yogurt mixture. Finely chop the green onions and green chilies, then add them to the bowl as well. Mix everything together until evenly distributed. |
| 5 | To garnish, top the raita with a few thin slices of cucumber and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. This adds a fresh touch and enhances the presentation of the dish. |
| 6 | If you’re not serving the raita immediately, refrigerate it until needed. This helps to chill the sauce and allows the flavors to meld together for an even more delicious taste. |
Serving Suggestions:
Cucumber raita is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to try:
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside spicy curries, biryanis, or grilled meats to balance out the heat and add a cooling element to the meal.
- With Rice or Chapatis: Spoon the raita over cooked rice or use it as a dipping sauce for chapatis or naan bread.
- As a Dip: Serve with fresh vegetable sticks, pita bread, or crunchy papadums for a light and healthy snack option.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 137.8 per serving
- Fat Content: 0.6g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.3g
- Cholesterol Content: 3.7mg
- Sodium Content: 152.2mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 22.3g
- Fiber Content: 1.9g
- Sugar Content: 17.6g
- Protein Content: 12.3g
Recipe Notes:
- Feel free to adjust the spiciness of the raita by adding more or fewer green chilies according to your taste preferences.
- For a creamier texture, you can use full-fat yogurt instead of nonfat yogurt.
- Experiment with additional herbs and spices such as mint or cumin to customize the flavor profile of the raita.
Conclusion:
With its simple preparation and refreshing taste, this cucumber raita recipe is sure to become a favorite accompaniment to your favorite Indian dishes. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, dip, or condiment, its cooling properties will help soothe your palate and enhance the overall dining experience. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this classic Indian sauce!
