Simple Cucumber & Mint Raita
A cool, creamy yogurt side with crisp grated cucumber and fresh mint. This raita comes together in five minutes and is the perfect refreshing partner to spicy curries, biryani, or any Indian meal.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~1 min
Whisk the yogurt until smooth.
In a mixing bowl, whisk the chilled yogurt until it turns creamy and lump-free. This gives the raita a light, silky base.
- mix · ~1 min
Fold in the cucumber and mint.
1.Squeeze the grated cucumber lightly to remove any excess water.2.Add the squeezed cucumber to the whisked yogurt.3.Fold in the finely chopped mint leaves.4.Mix gently until everything is evenly distributed.TIPDon't skip squeezing the cucumber — excess water will thin the raita and dilute the flavor. - mix · ~1 min
Season the raita.
1.Sprinkle in the roasted cumin powder.2.Add black salt and regular salt.3.Stir gently to combine all the seasonings.4.Taste and adjust if needed.TIPRoasted cumin powder has a warm, earthy aroma that regular cumin can't match. Dry-roast whole cumin seeds and grind for the best flavor. - garnish
Garnish with red chili powder and serve chilled.
Transfer the raita to a serving katori. Sprinkle a pinch of red chili powder on top for a pop of color and a whisper of warmth. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
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 richer, creamier raita that won't separate.
- 2Peel the cucumber if the skin is thick or waxed, or leave it on for extra texture.
- 3Squeeze the grated cucumber thoroughly in a clean cloth or paper towel to prevent a watery raita.
- 4Roast cumin seeds in a dry pan until fragrant, then grind for the most aromatic cumin powder.
- 5Chill the raita for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- 6Stir in a pinch of sugar if the yogurt tastes too tangy.
Adapt it for your goals.
High-protein
Replace half the yogurt with Greek yogurt for a thicker, protein-packed raita that pairs well with grilled meats or as a dip.
veganVegan
Use an unsweetened, thick plant-based yogurt (like coconut or soy) and add a teaspoon of lemon juice to mimic the tang of dairy yogurt.
low oilLow-oil
Skip the red chili powder garnish and instead add a crack of black pepper — this reduces any added oil while keeping a mild heat.
spicySpicy
Add 1/2 teaspoon of finely chopped green chili (like serrano or Thai bird's eye) along with the mint for a fresh, fiery kick.
jainJain
Use vegan yogurt and skip the onion, garlic, and root vegetables (this version already fits Jain guidelines if the yogurt is plant-based and no onion/garlic is added).
Why this is on our healthy list.
Gut-Friendly Probiotics
The live cultures in plain yogurt promote a healthy gut microbiome and aid digestion.
Hydrating and Low-Calorie
Cucumber is over 95% water, making this raita a hydrating, low-calorie side that complements heavier meals.
Cooling for Digestion
Mint and cucumber have a natural cooling effect that can soothe the digestive tract, especially when paired with spicy foods.
Rich in Calcium
Yogurt provides a good dose of calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth, without adding many calories.
Frequently asked questions
Fresh mint is strongly recommended for its bright flavor and texture, but if using dried, reduce to 1 teaspoon and let it sit in the yogurt for 5 minutes to rehydrate.
