Refreshing Cucumber and Mint Yogurt Dip
This Refreshing Cucumber and Mint Yogurt Dip (Kheere Ka Raita) is a delightful and cooling dish perfect for warm weather. Combining the smoothness of plain yogurt with freshly grated cucumber and the invigorating aroma of mint, this recipe is not only refreshing but also packed with nutrition. It's a fantastic side dish for spicy Indian meals and can be enjoyed as a dip with pita or vegetable sticks. The roasted cumin seeds and cayenne pepper give it a subtle warmth that beautifully complements the cool flavors, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Serve chilled for the best experience.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
plain yogurt
2/3 cup (none)
cucumber
1 (peeled and grated)
fresh mint
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
roasted cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the plain yogurt. Using a fork or whisk, beat the yogurt lightly until it is smooth and creamy.
2
In a separate bowl, grate the peeled cucumber and then squeeze out excess water using a clean towel to prevent the dip from becoming watery.
3
Add the grated cucumber, chopped mint, roasted cumin seeds, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the yogurt.
4
Gently fold in the ingredients until everything is evenly mixed and the flavors are well combined.
5
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
6
Serve the refreshing yogurt dip chilled as a side dish or with pita bread and vegetable sticks.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Refreshing Cucumber and Mint Yogurt Dip?
It is a cooling dish, also known as Kheere Ka Raita, made with plain yogurt, grated cucumber, and fresh mint.
What is the traditional Indian name for this recipe?
The traditional name for this dish is Kheere Ka Raita.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Is this Cucumber and Mint Yogurt Dip vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian.
How much yogurt is required?
The recipe requires 2/3 cup of plain yogurt.
What is the best way to prepare the cucumber?
The cucumber should be peeled and then grated.
How do I prevent the dip from becoming too watery?
After grating the cucumber, use a clean towel to squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the yogurt.
How much fresh mint should be used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh mint.
What spices are used in this raita?
The spices include roasted ground cumin seeds, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Is the Cucumber and Mint Yogurt Dip spicy?
It has a subtle warmth from the cayenne pepper and roasted cumin, but it is primarily a cooling dish.
How long should the dip be refrigerated before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
What can I serve with this yogurt dip?
It is excellent with spicy Indian meals, pita bread, or vegetable sticks.
Should this dip be served warm or cold?
This dip should be served chilled for the best experience.
How do I prepare the yogurt for this recipe?
Beat the yogurt lightly with a fork or whisk until it is smooth and creamy.
What category of cuisine does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized as Asian cuisine.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients in total.
Is this recipe suitable for warm weather?
Yes, it is a delightful and cooling dish perfect for warm weather.
What is the preparation for the cumin seeds?
The cumin seeds should be roasted and then ground.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt.
What is the preparation for the black pepper?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
How should the ingredients be combined?
Gently fold the ingredients into the yogurt until everything is evenly mixed.
Can I use this recipe as a side dish?
Yes, it is a fantastic side dish, especially for spicy meals.
Does this recipe contain any sugar?
No, there is no added sugar in this recipe.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy recipe packed with nutrition.
What kind of mint is best for this recipe?
Freshly chopped mint provides the best invigorating aroma.
How much cayenne pepper should I add?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Is the cucumber peeled or unpeeled?
The cucumber should be peeled for this recipe.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead?
While the recipe calls for plain yogurt, Greek yogurt can be used for a thicker consistency.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Tags include yogurt dip, cucumber, mint, raita, asian cuisine, cooling side dish, healthy, and vegetarian.
What is the primary texture of the dip?
The dip is smooth and creamy with a slight texture from the grated cucumber.