Cucumber Raita

Luscious cucumber raita is a creamy and cooling Indian condiment. My friend who married into an Indian family taught me this recipe, and it is particularly delightful. Strained or Greek-style yogurt is used as a base for a rich, substantial texture.

Raita is a traditional Indian side dish (salad) that is most commonly used as a condiment. It is made with yogurt and a combination of other ingredients. Cucumber and mint are usually added. In addition it can be made with eggplant, beets, chickpeas, spinach, and sometimes even fruit.

The cucumber version or raita is quite similar to tzatziki, a Greek yogurt sauce. To clarify, the big difference between the two condiments is spices and sweetness. Typically raita is spiced and often lightly sweetened by honey or fruit. The flavor is delicate, providing a mellowing counterpoint to spicy foods. Most often raita includes a combination of fresh green herbs like mint, dill, parsley, or coriander.

My friend Sandra shared this raita recipe with me; she learned about Indian cuisine from her husband’s family. However, I do make one adjustment to her method — I use Greek (strained) yogurt to give it a thicker and creamier texture. Yogurt makes this dish really refreshing. Consequently, raita is often served with spicy curry dishes, as it helps to offset the heat.

Tip: for a thicker raita, you may strain the Greek yogurt using the method outlined in this post before making the recipe. Keep in mind you’ll be reducing the water content, so you’ll end up with less total ounces for the recipe.

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Raita

A simple recipe for cucumber raita, a creamy and cooling Indian condiment. This recipe uses Greek yogurt for a thick and creamy result.

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COURSE: Appetizer

Kosher Key: Dairy

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Ingredients

• 1 large Persian cucumber, grated
• 3/4 cup Greek yogurt (use a thick unsweetened cashew yogurt or your favorite unsweetened non-dairy yogurt for vegan)
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3/4 teaspoon honey (use agave for vegan)
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
• Pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes
• Pinch of sea salt (or more to taste)

NOTES

You will also need: Cheese grater with large holes, cheesecloth or tea towel, small mixing bowl

Recipe makes 8 ounces total - serving size 2 ounces (4 servings).

Instructions

• Grate the cucumber using using a cheese grater with large holes. Squeeze the grated cucumber in a cheesecloth or in a mesh strainer to remove excess liquid. In a small mixing bowl, combine the grated cucumber with the rest of the ingredients.
  
• Stir until well combined. Add more salt to taste, if desired.
  
• Chill and serve.
  

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Raita

Amount Per Serving (2 oz)

Calories 31 Calories from Fat 9

% Daily Value*

Fat 1g2%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 1g

Cholesterol 2mg1%

Sodium 15mg1%

Potassium 95mg3%

Carbohydrates 4g1%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 4g8%

Vitamin A 124IU2%

Vitamin C 3mg4%

Calcium 51mg5%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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