indianraitayogurtcucumbervegetarianbeginnerno-cook

Raita

Name: Raita
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 250 g plain full-fat yogurt; 120 g cucumber, finely grated or very finely chopped; 2 g ground cumin; 1 g dried mint; 8 g fresh coriander, finely chopped; 3 g salt; 15 ml cold water; 0.5 g ground cumin, for sprinkling; 2 g fresh coriander leaves, for garnish

This raita is cool, creamy, and lightly herby, with refreshing cucumber and the warm earthiness of cumin. Dried mint and fresh coriander give it a bright, balanced flavor that cuts beautifully through rich or spicy dishes.

10 min

2 servings

100 kcal

Indian

Ingredients

Raita mixture

250 gplain full-fat yogurt
120 gcucumber, finely grated or very finely chopped
2 gground cumin
1 gdried mint
8 gfresh coriander, finely chopped
3 gsalt
15 mlcold water

Optional finish

0.5 gground cumin, for sprinkling
2 gfresh coriander leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1
If using a regular cucumber with watery seeds, trim the ends, grate or finely chop it, then lightly squeeze out excess moisture with clean hands so the raita stays creamy rather than thin.
2
In a bowl, whisk the yogurt with the salt and cold water until smooth and lightly loosened. The texture should be spoonable, not runny.
3
Stir in the cucumber, ground cumin, dried mint, and chopped fresh coriander until evenly combined. Taste and adjust salt if needed; the cumin and mint should be present but not overpower the yogurt.
4
Transfer to a serving bowl. Finish with a light sprinkle of ground cumin and a few coriander leaves if using. Serve immediately, or chill briefly for a colder, more refreshing raita.

Nutrition per serving

100 kcal

Calories

Protein

Carbs

Fat

Fiber

Notes

•For the best texture, use thick plain yogurt; if your yogurt is very loose, skip the water.
•A small pinch of roasted cumin powder instead of regular ground cumin gives a deeper, more traditional flavor.
•This is especially good with biryani, pulao, paratha, kebabs, or spicy lentil dishes.
•If making ahead, stir again before serving because the cucumber may release a little liquid.

Background

Raita is a classic yogurt-based accompaniment found across the Indian subcontinent, valued for its cooling effect alongside spiced foods. Countless regional variations exist, using vegetables, herbs, fruits, or boondi, but cucumber raita is one of the most common everyday versions. It is especially popular with rice dishes such as biryani and pulao.

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