Cool As A Cucumber…Raita!

Just the other day, I shared this easy peasy Cucumber Raita recipe on Gogopasar’s Instagram for Deepavali meal ideas and I have decided, this recipe deserves a post on it’s own. Cucumber raita is a staple in most Indian restaurants as an accompanying dish for variety of mains like briyani, or tandoori, or eaten with naan and dhal, it basically goes with anything.

Served chilled, cucumber raita is a refreshing side dish that helps tone down the spiciness in curries or masala dishes in Indian cuisines (and Indian cuisines is all about SPICE!). I remember frequenting this chapati joint in Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman (or fondly known as Jalan TAR) in Kuala Lumpur, and will order the usual chapati, mutton keema, cucumber and yogurt raita and atleast two glasses of ‘teh tarik’ (pulled tea) that’s made with fresh cow’s milk! So yummy!

Banana leaf meals also feels rather incomplete without cucumber raita but having said that, I understand that not everyone is a fan. Some would say it’s too watery, or too bland, but it’s actually not meant to be eaten on it’s own. Paired with the right dish, and it’s gonna be a burst of flavours and textures in your mouth! Anyway, try this recipe out the next time you’re having people over. Easy prep and no hard work required, you can make it ahead of time and just let it ‘chill’ in the refrigerator.

Ingredients:

– 1 large cucumber (peeled, seeded and either sliced thinly or diced)
-2 cups of plain Greek yogurt (Bright Cow’s Greek Yogurt is the best!!)
– 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro/coriander or mint (whichever you prefer)
– 1 garlic clove (pressed)
– 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
– a bit of salt

Steps:

1) Toast the cumin seeds in a skillet for few seconds to bring out their flavour.

2) Then scoop the greek yogurt into a large bowl

3) Add the toasted cumin seeds, chopped cilantro/mint, garlic, cucumber and salt and mix well.

4) Leave in the refrigerator and serve chilled.

5) Garnish with mint sprig or cilantro if you like.

Tadaaa! Cucumber Raita is DONE!

Anyway, you can basically add or omit anything to this recipe according to your taste buds. Some people don’t like the taste of cumin, no worries…just omit it. If you like it to taste a lil’ sourish, squeeze in some lemon juice in the raita. If you prefer more textures and flavours in your raita, you can add sliced or diced onions and tomatoes as well. There’s so many versions and they all tastes so good. Want a lil’ kick? Sprinkle cayenne pepper or paprika on the raita before serving.

For an easy shopping experience, you can get the ingredients on https://wp2.gogopasar.com/