Cucumber Raita Recipe – Sharmis Passions

Cucumber Raita is a popular Indian raita made by mixing yogurt with fresh cubed cucumber, spices and garnished with coriander leaves. Cucumber Raita is a creamy and delicious dip perfect to pair with biryani, pulao, roti, paratha etc. Recipe included with step by step pictures and video.

It is really astounding that I haven’t posted so many raita recipes. And this cucumber raita is very simple and quick recipe that can be put together in just 10 minutes which serves as a great side dish for biryani, pulao, roti etc. Do try this creamy, delicious cucumber raita and enjoy!

About Cucumber Raita

Cucumber Raita is made by first whisking yogurt until thick and creamy then mixing with fresh cubed cucumber along with herbs and spices. Cucumber Raita is a healthy, no cooking accompaniment for rice meal like biryani, pulao and flatbreads like roti, paratha and chapati too.

Cucumber Raita is also known as kheera ka raita. This raita can be prepared in so many variations and this is my take on it. This is the way I prepare cucumber raita and it is one of my family favorites so I make it often.

This raita is so refreshing and cooling to the palate. This is a must side dish for any spicy variety rice so I served it with puli sadam. This recipe takes just 5 minutes if you have cut cucumber ready. It is a great side dish for paratha, roti also.

Cucumber has natural cooling properties hence cucumber raita is so refreshing and cooling especially during summer. This raita can be served with any spicy rice meal as it brings down the heat in your meal. You can serve it with spicy sambar rice too.

Cucumber Raita Video – Short Video

Cucumber Raita Ingredients

• Yogurt – Use thick curd for making best creamy and delicious cucumber raita.
• Cucumber – Choose fresh long variety cucumber which has less seeds or without seeds.
• Spice powders – Chat masala powder, pepper powder, kashmiri red chilli powder and roasted cumin powders are used.
• Coriander leaves – Coriander leaves adds a nice flavor to the raita.

Similar Recipes

How to make Cucumber Raita Step by Step

1.To a mixing bowl add 1 and ½ cups thick chilled yogurt.

2.Whisk it well until smooth and creamy. You can add 1 -2 tablespoon water or milk if it is too thick, I didn’t add.

3.Add ¼ teaspoon pepper powder, ¼ teaspoon chat masala powder, ½ teaspoon kashmiri red chili powder and ½ teaspoon roasted cumin powder.

4.Whisk it until well combined.

5.Add 1 heaped cup chopped cucumber along with 1 tablespoon curry leaves.

6.Mix it well.

7.Cucumber raita is ready. Serve chilled!

Serve cucumber raita chilled!

Expert Tips

• Grating or Chopping – You can even grate the cucumber instead of chopping. But I personally prefer the chunky pieces in the raita.
• Cucumber – Indian cucumbers have thick skin so first trim the edges, peel the skin then grate or chop the cucumber as per your preference. If you prefer to use skin then choose English cucumbers or Japanese cucumbers.
• Spice powders – You can add more pepper powder instead of red chili powder too. I usually use roasted cumin powder for best flavour.
• Curd – Use thick curd(yogurt) for raita. Always whisk the curd well before mixing the ingredients for any type of raita.
• Colour – If you don’t want the raita to change colour then use regular chili powder instead of kashmiri red chilli powder.

Serving and Storage

Cucumber Raita can be served with rice, roti, paratha, pulao, biryani etc. This raita keeps well in fridge for 1 day after that the flavor of cucumber tends to change.

FAQS

1.Which type of cucumber to use?

Long variety cucumbers are best to use. Indian short cucumbers can also be used but make sure to use the ones which has less or no seeds. You can use English or Japanese cucumbers too.

2.What can be served with cucumber raita?

Cucumber raita tastes best with pulao, biryani, roti, paratha or any spicy variety dishes like sambar rice etc.

3.Can I make cucumber raita ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it 4-6 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add salt just before serving to prevent it from turning watery.

4.Should cucumber be grated or chopped?

Both will work. Finely chopped will give more bite and crunch. Grated will give smooth texture.

5.Can I add tempering?

Yes you can add a simple tempering! A simple tempering of mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves in a little oil adds great flavor.

If you have any more questions about this Cucumber Raita Recipe do mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook,  Pinterest, Youtube and Twitter .

Tried this Cucumber Raita Recipe? Do let me know how you liked it. Also tag us on Instagram @sharmispassions and hash tag it on #sharmispassions.

📖 Recipe Card