Meal Prep · Indian
Cucumber and Mint Raita
A refreshing and cooling Indian yogurt dip, perfect for balancing spicy meals.
Ingredients
Tap to check offMethod
Step-by-step- If using grated cucumber, place it in a fine-mesh sieve or a clean kitchen towel and gently squeeze out any excess water. This prevents the raita from becoming watery.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth and creamy. If using Greek yogurt and prefer a thinner consistency, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of water and whisk.
- Add the prepared cucumber, chopped mint, chopped cilantro (if using), roasted cumin powder, black salt, and regular salt to the whisked yogurt.
- If using, carefully stir in the finely chopped green chilies.
- Mix all the ingredients well until thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, black salt, or cumin) as per your preference.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully and enhances the refreshing quality of the raita.
Nutrition
Per serving| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
Storage & Freezer Guide
Make it last Refrigerator 3-4 days
Store leftover Cucumber and Mint Raita in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir well before serving as the cucumber may release more water over time.
Freezer Not recommended
Freezing is not recommended for raita as the yogurt will separate and become grainy upon thawing, altering the texture and taste significantly.
Reheat Not applicable
Raita is traditionally served cold and does not require reheating.
Chef’s Corner
- For the best texture, use full-fat plain yogurt. Greek yogurt will yield a much thicker raita, which some prefer.
- Always squeeze excess water from grated cucumber to prevent the raita from becoming too thin and watery.
- Roasting your own cumin seeds and then grinding them just before use will give a much more intense and aromatic cumin flavor than pre-ground powder.
- Adjust the amount of green chilies to your preferred spice level, or omit them entirely for a milder version.
- Allowing the raita to chill for at least 30 minutes, or even an hour, before serving dramatically improves its flavor as the ingredients have time to meld.
