Classic Cucumber Raitha

Cool, creamy, and irresistibly refreshing, this Classic Cucumber Raitha is the perfect accompaniment to any spicy Indian feast. Made with velvety smooth yogurt, freshly grated cucumber, aromatic cumin powder, and a medley of vibrant herbs like cilantro and mint, this simple side dish is bursting with flavor. A hint of green chili adds a subtle heat, while an optional sprinkle of chaat masala elevates the tangy-sweet profile. Ready in just 15 minutes, this no-cook recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Serve it chilled to complement dishes like biryani, pulao, or curries, and enjoy its soothing contrast to bold, spicy flavors. Ideal for summer meals or festive spreads, this raitha is a must-try for lovers of authentic Indian cuisine!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups plain yogurt
• 1 medium cucumber
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 small green chili
• 2 tablespoons mint leaves
• 0.5 teaspoon optional chaat masala

Directions

Step 1

Begin by peeling the cucumber and grating it using a medium-sized grater. Once grated, squeeze out the excess water from the cucumber by gently pressing it between your palms. This step ensures that the raitha is not too watery.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt until it's smooth and creamy. This should take about a minute by hand.

Step 3

Add the grated cucumber to the yogurt and mix well to evenly combine the two ingredients.

Step 4

Finely chop the fresh cilantro leaves and mint leaves. Ensure they are thoroughly washed before chopping to remove any dirt.

Step 5

Deseed the small green chili to control the heat and finely chop it. If you prefer a spicier raitha, you can retain the seeds.

Step 6

Add the chopped cilantro, mint, and green chili to the yogurt and cucumber mixture, stirring until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 7

Season the raitha with cumin powder, salt, and black pepper. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding the optional chaat masala. Stir well to combine.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, according to your preference. If you find the raitha too thick, you can add a little water to achieve the desired consistency, though it should be naturally creamy and not too runny.

Step 9

Transfer the raitha to a serving bowl, garnish with a few cilantro or mint leaves for presentation, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 10

Serve the cucumber raitha chilled as a side dish alongside biryani, pulao, or any spicy Indian curries for a refreshing contrast.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(742.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	360.4

Total Fat 8.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 29.4mg	0%
Sodium 1614.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 45.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.7g	0%
Total Sugars 38.4g
Protein 28.4g	0%

Vitamin D 235.2IU	0%
Calcium 1003.5mg	0%
Iron 3.4mg	0%
Potassium 1651.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 21.1%

Protein: 30.3%

Carbs: 48.6%