Cucumber Greek Yogurt Raita
A cooling and creamy side dish made with thick Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, and a hint of mint and cumin. This protein-packed raita is the perfect healthy accompaniment to spicy Indian meals, ready in just 10 minutes.
For 4 servings
Prepare the cucumber.
Wash and grate the medium cucumber. Place the grated cucumber in a clean cloth or between your palms and squeeze firmly to remove as much excess water as possible. This prevents the raita from becoming watery.
TIPDon't skip squeezing the cucumber; it's the key to a thick and creamy raita.Whisk the yogurt until smooth.
In a medium bowl, add the Greek yogurt and whisk it well until it's completely smooth and creamy without any lumps.
Combine all ingredients.
To the whisked yogurt, add the squeezed grated cucumber, finely chopped mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chili (if using), roasted cumin powder, salt, and black salt.
Mix well and chill before serving.
Stir everything together until well combined. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
TIPChilling not only improves the flavor but also makes the raita more refreshing.Garnish and serve chilled.
Just before serving, give the raita a final stir. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of roasted cumin powder and a fresh mint sprig. Serve chilled with your favorite meal.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the creamiest texture, use full-fat or 2% Greek yogurt. Non-fat versions also work well for a lighter option.
- 2Always use freshly roasted cumin powder for the best aroma and flavor. You can dry roast cumin seeds in a pan and grind them yourself.
- 3If you don't have black salt (kala namak), you can use a tiny squeeze of lemon juice to add a bit of tang.
- 4To keep the raita thick, add the salt just before serving, as salt can draw more water out of the cucumber over time.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Substitute the Greek yogurt with a thick, unsweetened plant-based yogurt such as coconut, almond, or soy yogurt.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Omit the green chili to make it non-spicy. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors for kids.
quickQuick
Use a food processor with a grating attachment to quickly grate the cucumber. You can also skip the chilling time if you're in a hurry.
healthyHealthy
This recipe is already healthy. To enhance it further, use non-fat Greek yogurt and add finely chopped walnuts or flax seeds for extra omega-3s.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, satiety, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Rich in Probiotics
The live cultures in yogurt act as probiotics, promoting a healthy gut microbiome, which aids digestion and boosts immunity.
Hydrating and Cooling
Cucumber is over 95% water, making this raita incredibly hydrating and cooling, especially beneficial during hot weather or with spicy food.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is very healthy. Greek yogurt provides a high amount of protein and probiotics for gut health. Cucumber is hydrating and low in calories, while fresh herbs add vitamins and antioxidants.