Grated Cucumber Raita: A Refreshing Side Dish
Grated Cucumber Raita is a delightful and healthy Indian side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. With its cooling properties, it makes an ideal accompaniment during the hot summer months. Whether served alongside your daily meal or enjoyed as a quick snack, this raita is both easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The subtle heat from cumin and red chili powder balances beautifully with the creamy texture of curd, making this recipe a true gem of Indian cuisine.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2-3
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cucumber (grated) | 1 cucumber |
| Curd (yogurt) | 1 cup |
| Cumin seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh coriander leaves | A handful, chopped |
Instructions:
-
Roast the Cumin Seeds:
Start by roasting the cumin seeds to release their aromatic oils. Heat a small pan over medium heat and add the cumin seeds. Toast them lightly, stirring constantly, until they turn a golden brown and emit a fragrant aroma. Remove from heat and allow them to cool completely. -
-
Grind the Cumin:
Once the roasted cumin seeds have cooled, transfer them to a mortar and grind them into a fine powder using a pestle. You can also use a grinder if preferred. -
Prepare the Curd:
Take a bowl and add the curd (yogurt). Whisk the curd well until it becomes smooth and creamy. This will form the base of your raita. -
Mix the Ingredients:
To the whipped curd, add the grated cucumber, roasted cumin powder, red chili powder, salt, and freshly chopped coriander leaves. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly to combine the flavors. -
Serve:
Once everything is well-mixed, your refreshing Grated Cucumber Raita is ready to be served. Garnish with a few extra coriander leaves if desired for added color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
Grated Cucumber Raita pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. It complements the rich, flavorful flavors of Panchmel Daal, the subtle taste of Bottle Gourd Potato Sabzi, and the soft, fluffy Phulkas. This raita is not only a great side dish but can also be enjoyed as a refreshing snack during hot summer days, providing a cooling effect and balancing out spicier dishes.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~80 kcal |
| Protein | ~4 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~6 g |
| Fat | ~4 g |
| Fiber | ~1 g |
| Sodium | ~150 mg |
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Tips:
- For Extra Flavor: You can add a pinch of black salt or a dash of lemon juice to enhance the flavor of the raita.
- Cucumber Variations: If you prefer, you can peel the cucumber before grating, though leaving the skin on will add extra fiber.
- Make it Creamier: For a richer raita, you can add a bit of cream or use full-fat yogurt.
Enjoy the fresh and tangy taste of Grated Cucumber Raita, an easy-to-make Indian side dish thatβs sure to please your taste buds and cool you down on a warm day!
