A perfect cooling accompaniment to almost any spicy main course. This 3-step raita can be enjoyed as a side dish or dip.
A cooling raita is a staple in most types of Indian cuisine. This easy raita recipe takes just 5 minutes to prepare in 3 easy steps.
What is raita?
Raita is a side dish made with yogurt and spices. It is popular throughout India offering a cooling balance to accompanying spicy dishes.
There are many different types of raita, some are made with small pieces of fried batter, a tadka (a tempering of spices), fruit or vegetables.
Why this raita works
Cucumber and onion raita is rather like a salad in yogurt. The combination makes a wonderful side for any vegetable or meat curry, kebabs or even rice and daal. It can also be enjoyed as a dip with freshly made roti or paratha.
The contrasting textures of smooth yogurt with crunchy onions and cucumber, is very satisfying, while the mixture of cold with fresh raw ingredients is deliciously refreshing.
What kind of yogurt to use
In India raita is prepared with dahi which is curd and whey. This is preferable to using strained yogurt such as the Greek or Turkish varieties. Select a good live yogurt.
Three easy steps
- Stir the yogurt till it is a smooth consistency.
- Stir in the cucumber, onions, garlic, salt and green chilli.
- Garnish with the cumin and red chilli powders, and black pepper.
Serving
You can serve it straight away, but I recommend making it 30 minutes to an hour ahead to allow time for it to chill. This allows the flavours to come together beautifully, and it tastes better cold.
Try it with these recipes
This raita goes well with any of these spicy dishes:
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⭐️ Are you making this Raita recipe? Do let me know how it turned out in the comments! And please give it a star rating below!
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📋 Recipe
Cucumber And Onion Raita
Ingredients
- 500 grams yogurt 2 cups
- salt to taste
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ English cucumber ½ cup, grated
- 1 small onion minced
- 1 small green chilli chopped
- a pinch red chilli powder
- a pinch cumin powder
- black pepper freshly ground, to taste
Instructions
- 500 grams yogurtIn a bowl, stir the yogurt till smooth.
- salt, ½ English cucumber, 1 small onion, 1 small green chilli, 1 clove garlicAdd the cucumber, onions, garlic, salt, and green chilli.
- a pinch red chilli powder, a pinch cumin powder, black pepperSprinkle the cumin and chilli powder over the top and some ground black pepper. Refrigerate and serve chilled.
Notes
MEASUREMENT NOTES
The ingredients here on EOTF are set out in grams & milliliters and in US cups & spoons.
The Happy Whisk
Hi Nicole! We grew up eating a Hungarian version of this. Sour cream instead of yoghurt. Paprika instead of cumin but garlic added, yes. All fun, whatever version. Love a nice cuke salad.
Nicole
That sounds wonderful Ivy, it sounds like a great combination!
jaya
i love it raita and you make to diffrent recipe but look is delicious and i will try your raita recipe
Nicole
Thanks Jaya,do let me know how you like it
Jacqueline
Coincidentally, I’m planning a Goan curry for dinner tonight!! This raita will be perfect as a side-dish, AND I have all the ingredients to make it!!
Nicole
Thats great Jacquline, Goan food is super hot so this raita will be a lovely cooling balance.
Marisa
I haven’t made raita at home but love it as a cool accompaniment to spicy meals. Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Nicole
Thanks Marisa, it makes a wonderful dip too
Demeter
I love the cucumber and onion added to this and the flavor it brings! The perfect balance to any spicy dish.
Nicole
Thanks Demeter. It’s very cooling, an absolute necessity at times! 😉
Tayler
I think I will try this as an appetizer for my Christmas party this year! So good!
Nicole
Thanks Tayler, it’s a refreshing dip!
Claudia
what a delicious combination of flavors and I really want to try this soon! thanks for posting it.
Nicole
Thanks Claudia, it actually works well as a side to so many dishes.