Grated Cucumber Raita: A Refreshing Side Dish for Every Meal
Description:
Grated Cucumber Raita is a delicious, light, and healthy Indian side dish that can be enjoyed all year round. Particularly refreshing during the hot summer months, this raita pairs beautifully with any meal, offering a cool and soothing contrast to spicier dishes. The combination of crisp cucumber, creamy yogurt, and aromatic roasted cumin makes this dish both satisfying and full of flavor. It’s a perfect addition to your lunch or dinner table, ideal for balancing out the heat in spicy curries or parathas.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cucumber | 1, grated |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1 cup |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | A few, chopped |
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Instructions:
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Roast the Cumin Seeds: Begin by preheating a pan on medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add the cumin seeds. Stir occasionally and roast them until they begin to turn golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Once done, remove the cumin seeds from the pan and set them aside to cool.
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Grind the Cumin Seeds: After the roasted cumin seeds have cooled down, transfer them to a mortar and pestle. Grind them into a fine powder. This will release the full flavor and aroma of the cumin.
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Prepare the Raita: In a mixing bowl, whisk the yogurt until itβs smooth and creamy. Add the grated cucumber to the bowl, followed by the freshly ground cumin powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Mix everything together well until the ingredients are fully combined.
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Garnish and Serve: Stir in the chopped coriander leaves, giving the raita a burst of fresh flavor and color. Your Grated Cucumber Raita is now ready to serve!
Serving Suggestions:
This refreshing raita pairs wonderfully with a variety of Indian dishes. It can be served alongside Green Moong Dal Pulao with Vegetables for a light, wholesome meal or as a cooling side to Punjabi Aloo Paratha. The balance of flavors in the raita complements spiced dishes perfectly, adding a creamy texture and a subtle tang.
Enjoy this Grated Cucumber Raita as a healthy addition to your meal, and experience the perfect blend of freshness and creaminess with every bite!
