Sauces and Dips

Cucumber Raita is a simple, traditional Indian side dish that complements spicy meals. It’s made with fresh ingredients and minimal spices to let the flavors shine. Here’s how to make it:

Authentic Cucumber Raita Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain yogurt (preferably homemade or thick yogurt)
• 1 medium cucumber, peeled and finely grated
• 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin seeds (slightly crushed)
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black salt (optional, for a hint of tanginess)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped
• 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional for a bit of heat)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cucumber:
   • Peel the cucumber and grate it finely. If the cucumber has a lot of water, lightly squeeze out the excess moisture. This step is essential to prevent the raita from becoming too watery.
2. Mix the Yogurt:
   • In a large bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth and creamy. Authentic raita often uses thick yogurt, which gives it a rich texture.
3. Combine Ingredients:
   • Add the grated cucumber to the yogurt and mix well.
   • Stir in the crushed roasted cumin seeds, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the salt to taste.
4. Add Fresh Herbs:
   • Mix in the chopped coriander leaves for freshness.
   • If you like a bit of heat, add the finely chopped green chili.
5. Chill and Serve:
   • Let the raita chill in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors to meld together.
   • Serve cold as a side dish with biryani, pulao, parathas, or any Indian curry.

Tips:

• Roasting Cumin Seeds: To roast cumin seeds, heat them in a dry pan over medium heat until they are fragrant and slightly darkened. Crush them slightly with a mortar and pestle for maximum flavor.
• Customization: For a slight variation, you can add a pinch of chaat masala or a few drops of lemon juice.
• Serving: Traditionally, raita is served cold and can be garnished with a few more cumin seeds or a sprig of coriander on top.

This authentic version of Cucumber Raita is light, refreshing, and perfectly balances the spices in Indian dishes.