Yogurt Dip
A cool, creamy yogurt dip with a gentle kick of cumin and fresh herbs. This everyday Indian table staple comes together in under five minutes and pairs perfectly with grilled meats, kebabs, crunchy vegetable sticks, or warm pita. Light, tangy, and endlessly versatile.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~1 min
Whisk the yogurt until smooth.
Place the thick yogurt in a mixing bowl. Whisk briskly for 30 seconds until smooth and creamy.
- mix · ~1 min
Fold in the spices and herbs.
1.Add the roasted cumin powder, salt, black pepper, and red chili powder.2.Fold everything together with a spatula until the spices are evenly distributed.3.Add the chopped mint and coriander leaves, saving a tiny pinch for garnish.TIPDon't over-mix once the herbs are in — it bruises the leaves and the dip loses its fresh-flecked look. - rest · ~10 min
Chill for 10 minutes.
Cover the bowl and let it rest in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. This helps the flavors blend.
TIPIf the dip thickens too much in the fridge, loosen with a teaspoon of cold water. - garnish
Garnish with reserved herbs and serve cold.
Sprinkle the reserved mint and coriander on top. Serve chilled alongside kebabs, raw vegetables, or breadsticks.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use hung or Greek yogurt and whisk until velvety for a thick, non-watery dip.
- 2Roast the cumin powder in a dry pan until fragrant before adding — it deepens the flavor enormously.
- 3Chill the dip for at least 10 minutes to let the spice and herb flavors meld together.
- 4If the dip thickens too much after chilling, loosen with a teaspoon of cold water, not milk.
- 5Garnish with a final drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of paprika for color and richness.
- 6Make ahead up to 1 day; stir briefly and adjust salt before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cucumber-raita
Add ½ cup finely grated cucumber (squeezed dry) and a pinch of sugar for a cooling raita — perfect with spicy biryani or flatbreads.
veganVegan
Substitute plain coconut or cashew yogurt for a dairy-free version; add a squeeze of lemon to mimic yogurt's natural tang.
smokySmoky
Stir in ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1 teaspoon of minced roasted garlic for a barbecue-friendly dip that pairs with grilled veggies.
herb loadedHerb-loaded
Double the mint and add 2 tablespoons of fresh dill or chopped chives — ideal as a sauce for falafel or lamb wraps.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Probiotic-rich Base
Plain yogurt provides live active cultures that support gut health and digestion.
Good Source of Calcium
Each serving of this dip delivers a meaningful amount of calcium from yogurt, essential for strong bones and teeth.
Low in Added Sugar
This savory dip relies on spices and herbs for flavor, keeping added sugars at zero.
Antioxidants from Cumin & Mint
Roasted cumin and fresh herbs contribute natural antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress.
Frequently asked questions
Not ideal — sour yogurt will overpower the delicate cumin and herbs. Use fresh, thick, plain yogurt for the best tang balance.
