Cucumber Raita

Name: Cucumber Raita
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 - 6 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1 tsp. cumin seeds; 1 c. plain full-fat yogurt; 1 medium Persian cucumber, finely chopped (or grated and drained); Pinch red chili powder; 1 tbsp. finely chopped mint or cilantro; Kosher salt

By Lena AbrahamPublished: Dec 23, 2020

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raita in a bowl with cucumbers, mint, and powdered red spice cutting board with mint and cucumbers alongside

Lucy Schaeffer

Few condiments do as well at taming spice-inflicted mouth fires as raita. This South Asian yogurt-based condiment comes in infinite varieties, from cooling cucumber like this one, to sweet bananas, to bright and crisp sliced onion. Though typically served with South Asian dishes like biryani, kebabs, and naan (along with countless other dishes), raita can improve pretty much anything—from hamburgers to falafel.

This simple cucumber raita can be adjusted to your personal preferences, so feel free to swap in your favorite herb, citrus juice, or alternate spices. Sugar can be added if you're finding your raita too sour, and if taming heat is none of your concern, throw in some chopped chilis!

Made this? Let us know how it went in the comment section below!

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Yields:: 4 - 6 serving(s)
Prep Time:: 5 mins
Total Time:: 10 mins
Cal/Serv:: 43

Ingredients

1 tsp.
cumin seeds
1 c.
plain full-fat yogurt
1
medium Persian cucumber, finely chopped (or grated and drained)
Pinch red chili powder
1 tbsp.
finely chopped mint or cilantro
Kosher salt

Directions

1. Step 1Add cumin seeds to a small skillet over medium heat. Toast seeds until fragrant and beginning to pop, about 1 minute.
2. Step 2Transfer seeds to a mortar and pestle and crush into a coarse powder.
3. Step 3In a medium bowl, whisk to combine yogurt, cumin, cucumber, chili powder, and mint or cilantro. Season to taste with salt and serve.