Creamy Cucumber Mint Raita
This delightful Creamy Cucumber Mint Raita is a cool and refreshing dip that perfectly complements any Indian meal. Inspired by Madhur Jaffrey's renowned Indian Cooking, my version offers a satisfying blend of creamy yogurt and sour cream, combined with crisp cucumber and fresh mint. The addition of roasted cumin and a hint of cayenne pepper creates a unique flavor profile that is both spicy and refreshing. Whether served alongside spicy curries or enjoyed as a dip with warm pita or parantha bread, this raita is an ideal summer dish that will elevate your dining experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
plain yogurt
1 1/2 cups (none)
sour cream
1/2 cup (none)
cucumber
1 (peeled, seeded, finely chopped)
fresh mint
2 tablespoons (finely chopped, plus sprig for garnish)
ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (roasted in dry skillet)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt and sour cream until smooth and well-blended.
2
Carefully peel and seed the cucumber, then finely chop it. Add the chopped cucumber to the yogurt mixture.
3
Finely chop the fresh mint leaves and add them to the bowl along with the roasted ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
4
Mix all the ingredients together until they are fully combined.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Before serving, give the raita a gentle stir and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cucumber Mint Raita?
It is a cool and refreshing Indian dip made with yogurt, sour cream, cucumber, and mint, designed to complement spicy meals.
Who inspired this specific raita recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Madhur Jaffrey's renowned book, Indian Cooking.
What ingredients do I need for this raita?
You need plain yogurt, sour cream, cucumber, fresh mint, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
How much yogurt and sour cream is required?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of plain yogurt and 1/2 cup of sour cream.
How should I prepare the cucumber?
The cucumber should be carefully peeled, seeded, and finely chopped.
Why is the cucumber seeded in this recipe?
Seeding the cucumber helps maintain a creamy consistency and prevents the raita from becoming too watery.
How is the cumin prepared?
The ground cumin should be roasted in a dry skillet before being added to the mixture to enhance its flavor profile.
Is this raita spicy?
It has a hint of spice from 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which is balanced by the cooling yogurt and cucumber.
How long should the raita be refrigerated?
It should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before serving.
What is the benefit of chilling the raita for 30 minutes?
Chilling allows the flavors of the mint, spices, and cucumber to meld together for a more satisfying taste.
Can I serve this raita as a dip?
Yes, it is excellent served as a dip with warm pita or parantha bread.
What dishes pair well with Creamy Cucumber Mint Raita?
It perfectly complements any Indian meal, especially spicy curries.
How do I garnish the raita?
Before serving, give it a gentle stir and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
How many ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients: yogurt, sour cream, cucumber, mint, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
What type of mint is used?
Fresh mint leaves are used; they are finely chopped and added to the mixture.
Is the cucumber peeled for this recipe?
Yes, the instructions specify to carefully peel the cucumber.
What makes this version of raita unique?
The addition of sour cream and roasted cumin creates a uniquely creamy and flavorful profile.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper should be added to taste.
What is the texture of the base mixture?
The base of yogurt and sour cream should be combined until smooth and well-blended.
Is this a good dish for summer?
Yes, it is described as an ideal summer dish due to its refreshing and cooling nature.
What is the first step in making the raita?
The first step is to combine the plain yogurt and sour cream in a mixing bowl until smooth.
What tags describe this recipe?
Common tags include raita, cucumber, Indian condiment, yogurt dip, mint, and refreshing.
Do I need to cover the bowl while it's in the fridge?
Yes, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid during the 30-minute refrigeration period.
How much cayenne pepper should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
How much cumin is required?
You will need 1/2 teaspoon of roasted ground cumin.
What kind of yogurt should I use?
The recipe specifies using plain yogurt.
How should the mint be prepared for the mix?
You should use 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh mint.
What bread is recommended to accompany this?
Warm pita or parantha bread are both recommended choices.
Is the cumin used raw or roasted?
The ground cumin must be roasted in a dry skillet for the best flavor.
Should I stir the raita again before serving?
Yes, give the raita a gentle stir after refrigeration and before adding the garnish.