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Cucumber Raita in a bowl with a wooden spoon and cilantro sprinkled on top

Easy Vegetable Raita Recipe (15 Minutes!)

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Learn how to make Raita with this easy and traditional recipe! Raita is a classic yogurt salad that completes many Pakistani and Indian meals. I’ve included my family’s trick for avoiding the cucumber’s bitterness, plus optional add-ins to give you an idea of the endless possibilities.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Indian, Pakistani
Keyword authentic cucumber raita, cucumber raita
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 68

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 cup plain whole milk yogurt
  • 1/4 cup whole milk or water, depending on desired consistency
  • 1/4 tsp table salt or sea salt more to taste
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp cumin powder (roasted or regular)
  • 1/8-1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp red chili powder or red chili flakes
  • 1 small Persian cucumber or 1/4 large cucumber ends trimmed, peeled, and finely diced
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red or yellow onion
  • 1/2 small tomato finely diced
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped cilantro or mint leaves (or a combination of the two)

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 1/2 carrot (See Note) finely diced
  • 2-3 radishes (See Note) finely diced
  • 1/8 tsp chaat masala
  • 1/2 small serrano pepper deseeded for less heat, finely chopped

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt, milk, salt, and spice powders.
  • Stir in the vegetables and cilantro, reserving some for garnish. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt to taste, cumin for earthiness, and black pepper or red chili for heat.
  • Garnish with additional chopped cilantro or mint. Serve immediately or place in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.

Notes

Note: If using optional vegetables, decrease the other vegetables for a less vegetable-heavy raita.

Nutrition

Calories: 68kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 191mg | Potassium: 309mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1637IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 117mg | Iron: 1mg