Refreshing Indian Cucumber Raita
This Refreshing Indian Cucumber Raita is a delightful and cooling side dish perfect for hot days or as a complement to spicy meals. Combining crunchy cucumbers with creamy yogurt and aromatic spices, it bursts with flavor and is incredibly easy to prepare. Serve it chilled, and watch it become a favorite at your gatherings and family dinners!
N/A
Servings
25
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cucumbers
3 medium (Peeled, halved, seeds scooped out, and diced.)
Plain low-fat yogurt
1 cup (Unflavored.)
Fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (Freshly squeezed.)
Sugar
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (To taste.)
Ground cumin
1/2-1 teaspoon (To taste.)
Chopped mint
1/2-1 tablespoon (Fresh mint leaves, chopped.)
Instructions
1
Start by peeling the cucumbers to remove the skin, which can be slightly bitter.
2
Slice the cucumbers in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds using a spoon to reduce excess moisture.
3
Dice the cucumbers into small, bite-sized pieces and transfer them to a mixing bowl.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain low-fat yogurt, fresh lemon juice, sugar, ground cumin, and chopped mint. Adjust the sugar and cumin to your taste for a balanced flavor.
5
Once the dressing is well mixed, pour it over the diced cucumbers and gently toss until evenly coated.
6
Refrigerate the raita for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
7
Serve this refreshing dish chilled as a side with your favorite Indian curries or kebabs.
Nutrition Information
0.2g
Fat
2g
Carbs
1.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Refreshing Indian Cucumber Raita?
Refreshing Indian Cucumber Raita is a cooling and delightful side dish made by combining crunchy cucumbers with creamy yogurt and aromatic spices like cumin and mint.
How many calories are in this cucumber raita?
Each serving of this Refreshing Indian Cucumber Raita contains approximately 25 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it uses yogurt and fresh vegetables.
What type of yogurt is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one cup of plain, unflavored low-fat yogurt.
Do I need to peel the cucumbers?
Yes, the instructions recommend peeling the cucumbers to remove the skin, which can sometimes be slightly bitter.
Why should I scoop out the cucumber seeds?
Removing the seeds helps to reduce excess moisture in the dish, ensuring the raita remains creamy rather than watery.
What spices are used to flavor this raita?
The dish is flavored with ground cumin, fresh mint, and a touch of sugar and lemon juice for balance.
How long should the raita be refrigerated before serving?
It is best to refrigerate the raita for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together properly.
What are the best dishes to serve with Indian Cucumber Raita?
This raita is a perfect complement to spicy Indian curries, kebabs, or any grilled meats.
How much fat is in this recipe?
This healthy side dish contains only 0.2g of fat per serving.
Is there any sugar in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of sugar is used to balance the acidity of the lemon and yogurt.
What is the protein content of the raita?
One serving of this cucumber raita provides approximately 1.7g of protein.
Can I use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends using one tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
You will need 6 main ingredients: cucumbers, plain low-fat yogurt, lemon juice, sugar, ground cumin, and fresh mint.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy-to-make recipe that involves simple chopping, whisking, and mixing.
What is the purpose of ground cumin in raita?
Ground cumin adds an aromatic, earthy flavor that characterizes traditional Indian raita.
How do I prepare the cucumbers for this dish?
The cucumbers should be peeled, sliced in half lengthwise, seeded with a spoon, and then diced into bite-sized pieces.
Can I adjust the amount of cumin and sugar?
Yes, you should adjust the sugar and ground cumin to your personal taste to find a balanced flavor profile.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This dish should always be served chilled for the most refreshing experience.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 2g of carbohydrates.
What makes this raita 'refreshing'?
The combination of chilled yogurt, hydrating cucumbers, and cooling fresh mint makes it highly refreshing.
Can I use full-fat yogurt instead of low-fat?
While the recipe specifies low-fat yogurt, you can use full-fat yogurt if you prefer a richer, creamier texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients list, this Refreshing Indian Cucumber Raita is naturally gluten-free.
How do I make the dressing for the raita?
Whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, sugar, cumin, and chopped mint in a separate bowl before adding it to the cucumbers.
What type of mint should be used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped mint leaves.
Can this be prepared in advance?
Yes, preparing it at least 30 minutes ahead is recommended, and it can stay fresh in the refrigerator for several hours.
Is this dish suitable for hot summer days?
Absolutely, it is specifically described as a cooling side dish perfect for hot days.
Does this recipe contain any fiber?
The provided nutritional data does not list fiber, though cucumbers and mint contain trace amounts.
What size cucumbers should I use?
The recipe suggests using 3 medium-sized cucumbers.
Can I add other vegetables to this raita?
While this specific recipe focuses on cucumber, raita can often be customized with onions or tomatoes if desired.