Side Dish

Cucumber Raita

Name: Cucumber Raita
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 porții
Cuisine: indian
Ingredients: 2,5 cană plain yogurt full-fat or low-fat; 1 buc. cucumber grated and squeezed dry; 0,25 buc. red onion finely chopped (opțional); 0,5 buc. green chili finely chopped (opțional); 2 lingură fresh mint finely chopped (opțional); 2 lingură fresh cilantro finely chopped (opțional); 0,5 linguriță cumin powder roasted; 0,25 linguriță black salt (opțional); 0,5 linguriță salt

This vibrant Indian Cucumber Raita is a cooling and creamy yogurt-based condiment, perfect for balancing the heat of spicy curries or as a refreshing side dish. Finely grated cucumber and aromatic fresh herbs are swirled into plain yogurt, seasoned with a touch of cumin and black salt, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

O rețetă originală de Forkin

Durată totală: 30 min.
Porții: 4
Dificultate: Ușoară
Per porție: 109 kcal

Dietă vegetarianăFără gluten

Informații despre alergeni: poate conține lapte. Verifică întotdeauna ambalajele ingredientelor dacă ai o alergie.

Pregătirea ingredientelor

Ingrediente

2,5 canăplain yogurt, full-fat or low-fat
1 buc.cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
0,25 buc.red onion, finely chopped(opțional)
0,5 buc.green chili, finely chopped(opțional)
2 lingurăfresh mint, finely chopped(opțional)
2 lingurăfresh cilantro, finely chopped(opțional)
0,5 lingurițăcumin powder, roasted
0,25 lingurițăblack salt(opțional)
0,5 lingurițăsalt

Ustensile

Mixing bowl · Box grater · Clean kitchen towel · Chef's knife · Cutting board · Measuring spoons

Mod de preparare

Pas cu pas

1
Wash and peel the cucumber, then grate it finely using the large holes of a box grater or a food processor fitted with a grating disc.
Aproximativ 2 min.
Nota bucătarului: Peeling the cucumber is optional but can improve the texture of the raita, especially if the skin is thick or waxy.
2
Place the grated cucumber into a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels.
3
Gather the edges of the towel and firmly squeeze out as much excess water as possible from the cucumber.
Aproximativ 3 min.
Nota bucătarului: This crucial step prevents the raita from becoming watery and ensures a thick, creamy consistency. You should be surprised by how much liquid comes out!
4
Finely dice the red onion (if using) and thinly slice the green chili (if using), removing seeds for less heat if desired.
Aproximativ 2 min.
Nota bucătarului: For a milder flavor, soak the diced red onion in cold water for 5-10 minutes, then drain thoroughly before adding to the raita.
5
Roughly chop the fresh mint and cilantro leaves.
Aproximativ 1 min.
Nota bucătarului: Use only the leaves for the best flavor and texture; discard the stems.
6
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, squeezed grated cucumber, diced red onion, sliced green chili, chopped fresh mint, and chopped fresh cilantro.
Aproximativ 1 min.
Nota bucătarului: Ensure the yogurt is at room temperature for a few minutes before mixing, as it will combine more smoothly.
7
Add the cumin powder, black salt (if using), and regular salt to the mixture.
Nota bucătarului: Black salt (kala namak) adds a unique, slightly sulfuric, tangy flavor that is characteristic of Indian raita. If you don't have it, increase the regular salt slightly.
8
Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until well combined and the spices are evenly distributed.
Aproximativ 1 min.
Nota bucătarului: Use a whisk or a spoon to ensure there are no lumps of yogurt and everything is incorporated.
9
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the raita for at least 15 minutes.
Aproximativ 15 min.
Nota bucătarului: Chilling allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a more harmonious and refreshing taste.
10
Before serving, give the raita a final stir and taste, adjusting salt if necessary.
11
Serve chilled as a cooling side dish or condiment alongside your favorite Indian meals.
Nota bucătarului: Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or a fresh mint sprig for an appealing presentation.

Per porție

Valori nutriționale

72%Scor

Calorii: 109,2kcal
Proteine: 6,1g
Carbohidrați: 10,4g
Grăsimi: 5,3g
Fibre: 0,7g
Zahăr: 8,5g

Estimare bazată pe cantitățile ingredientelor din rețetă. Valorile pot varia în funcție de mărci și înlocuiri.

Păstrează gustul bun

Nota bucătarului:

This versatile raita pairs beautifully with rich curries like Chicken Tikka Masala or Lamb Rogan Josh, biryanis, or even simple lentil dals. For a variation, try adding a pinch of red chili powder for a subtle kick, or a small amount of finely grated ginger for an aromatic twist. It's also delicious as a dip for pita bread or vegetable sticks.

Păstrare

Store leftover Cucumber Raita in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reîncălzire

Raita is best served chilled and does not require reheating. If it thickens too much in the fridge, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of cold water or milk to reach the desired consistency.