Refreshing Cucumber Mint Raita

Ingredients

• 2 cups (470ml) thick yogurt 2 cups (470ml) thick yogurt
• 1 medium cucumber, grated 1 medium cucumber, grated
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon roasted cumin powder (for garnish) 1/4 teaspoon roasted cumin powder (for garnish)
• Fresh mint leaves (for garnish) Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 8g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth.
2. 2.
   Add the grated cucumber, chopped mint leaves, cumin powder, chaat masala, salt, and black pepper to the yogurt. Mix well.
3. 3.
   Refrigerate the raita for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. 4.
   Before serving, garnish with roasted cumin powder and fresh mint leaves.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cucumber — Make sure to remove the seeds before grating to avoid excess moisture in the raita.
• Mint leaves — Use fresh mint leaves for the best flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute with dried mint leaves, but reduce the quantity by half.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier raita, use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt.
• Adjust the amount of mint leaves according to your preference for mint flavor.
• Serve the raita chilled for maximum refreshment.
• Customize the spice level by adding a pinch of red chili powder or finely chopped green chilies.
• Experiment with different variations by adding grated carrots, chopped onions, or roasted cumin seeds.

Serving advice

Serve the Cucumber Mint Raita as a side dish alongside spicy Indian curries, biryanis, or kebabs. It can also be enjoyed as a refreshing dip with crispy papadums or naan bread.

Presentation advice

Garnish the raita with a sprinkle of roasted cumin powder and a few fresh mint leaves to enhance its visual appeal. Serve it in a decorative bowl or individual serving bowls for an elegant presentation.