Kheere Ka Raita (Cucumber Yogurt Raita)
Local name: खीरे का रायता
In short: Cool whisked yogurt with grated cucumber, roasted cumin, black salt and mint. The classic side that tames biryani, parathas and spicy curries. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Resting
- 20 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 75 kcal
Raita is the cooling yogurt side that sits next to biryani, parathas and spicy curries across India. This cucumber version is the most common: grated cucumber folded into whisked yogurt with roasted cumin, a little black salt and mint. The cucumber is salted and squeezed so the raita stays thick instead of watery. It takes about fifteen minutes, plus a short chill, and it is the easiest way to calm a hot meal.
Instructions
- Grate the cucumber on the coarse side of a grater. Toss with 1/4 tsp of the salt, leave it in a sieve for 10 minutes, then squeeze out as much liquid as you can.
- Whisk the yogurt in a bowl until completely smooth. If it is very thick, loosen it with 2 to 3 tbsp cold water.
- Stir in the cucumber, ground cumin, remaining salt, black salt, chili powder, herbs and green chili.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning. Chill for 20 minutes if you have time, then finish with a pinch of chili powder and a little ground cumin on top.
Tips
- Salting and squeezing the cucumber is what keeps the raita thick. Whisk the yogurt first so no lumps remain.
- For variations, fold in a handful of soaked boondi (tiny fried chickpea flour pearls), or finish with a tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves in hot oil, as is done in the south.
Questions and answers
Can I make raita ahead of time?
Mix the yogurt and spices up to a day ahead, but fold in the salted, squeezed cucumber within a couple of hours, because it keeps releasing water over time.
What is raita served with?
It cools spicy food, so it is served with biryani, pulao, parathas, kebabs and curries such as dal makhani or rajma.
Can I use Greek yogurt for raita?
Yes. Thin it with 3 to 4 tbsp of water or milk so it spoons easily, since Greek yogurt is much thicker than the yogurt used in India.
How long does it take to make Kheere Ka Raita (Cucumber Yogurt Raita)?
About 15 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Kheere Ka Raita (Cucumber Yogurt Raita)?
About 75 kcal per serving, with 4 g of protein, 6 g of carbohydrates and 4 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 75 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 340 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
