Cucumber Mint Raita
A cooling, creamy yogurt side dish packed with crunchy cucumber and refreshing mint. This classic North Indian raita comes together in 10 minutes and is the perfect companion to biryanis, pulaos, and spicy curries.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Prep the cucumber.
Peel the cucumber and finely chop it into small, even cubes. No need to deseed unless the cucumber is very seedy or watery.
- prep · ~1 min
Chop the mint finely.
Wash the mint leaves and pat them dry. Finely chop enough to yield about 2 tablespoons.
- mix · ~1 min
Whisk the yogurt until smooth.
Add the chilled yogurt to a mixing bowl. Whisk briskly until smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining.
TIPA splash of cold water can help thin the yogurt if it is too thick. - mix · ~1 min
Fold in the cucumber and mint.
Add the chopped cucumber and mint to the whisked yogurt. Stir gently to combine.
- mix · ~1 min
Season the raita.
Sprinkle in salt, roasted cumin powder, black pepper, red chili powder, and chaat masala. Mix well until all the spices are evenly distributed.
- garnish · ~15 min
Chill and garnish before serving.
Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Just before serving, give it a quick stir and optionally top with a pinch of cumin powder and a fresh mint sprig.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use full-fat yogurt for a creamy, non-watery raita that holds up well.
- 2Finely chop the cucumber into tiny, even cubes so it distributes evenly.
- 3If the cucumber is very watery, squeeze out excess moisture after chopping.
- 4Toast the cumin powder in a dry pan for 30 seconds to deepen its aroma.
- 5Chill the raita for at least 15 minutes before serving to blend flavors.
- 6Add a splash of cold milk if the yogurt is too thick and needs thinning.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-fat
Use low-fat or Greek yogurt and replace half the cucumber with grated apple for tang without extra calories.
veganVegan
Substitute dairy yogurt with thick coconut yogurt and use agave instead of sugar if sweetness is desired.
herb forwardHerb-forward
Add 1 tablespoon each of finely chopped cilantro and dill for a fresh, grassy twist.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Supports Digestion
Yogurt contains probiotics that aid gut health, while mint and cumin soothe digestion.
Hydrating & Low-Calorie
Cucumber is over 95% water, making this side dish hydrating and light.
Rich in Protein
Full-fat yogurt provides a good source of casein and whey protein for satiety.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but thin it with 1-2 tablespoons of cold water or milk to achieve a creamy, pourable consistency.
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