Whip up this easy raita recipe in just minutes using spiced yogurt, cucumbers, onions, and cilantro for a cooling and refreshing dip you’ll want to pair with everything from chicken yakhni pulao to Instant Pot chicken biryani.
What is Raita?
In the U.S. yogurt is eaten at breakfast time, along with ingredients like granola and fresh fruit. In comparison, raita is served as a savory condiment with almost every meal in many South Asian countries. It is most commonly served with biryani or pulao to calm the spicy flavors with the cooling nature of the raita.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Yogurt: Use full-fat plain yogurt or Dahi. You can use Greek yogurt, but it will alter the consistency.
- Spices: Season the easy raita recipe with kosher salt and ground cumin.
- Cucumber: Any cucumber will do, so use what you have. I prefer finely diced Persian cucumbers, but some recipes call for them to be grated.
- Red Onion: I enjoy the bold flavor of finely diced red onion.
- Cilantro: Brighten and flavor the dip with freshly chopped cilantro.
Additions and Substitutions
- Chaat Masala
- Tomatoes
- Mint
- Thai Peppers, Serrano Peppers
How to Make the Easy Raita Recipe
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Combine yogurt, salt, and ground cumin in a small mixing bowl.
Step 2: Finely dice the cilantro, cucumber, and onion. Stir the ingredients into the yogurt.
If you love this recipe, try one of these tasty dips and sauces!
Serving Suggestions
- Instant Pot Chicken Biryani
- Samosa, Pakora
- Lamb Chops
- Baked Tandoori Chicken, Tandoori Chicken Tikka, Grilled Tandoori Chicken
- Joojeh Kabob
- Yakhni Pulao, Chicken Yakhni Pulao
What to do with the Leftovers
- Storage – Store the leftover raita recipe in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is raita called in English?
Raita is the name of the South Asian condiment most often served with biryani and pulao.
Can you eat raita by itself?
You can (because it’s THAT good), but it’s not common. Instead, serve the dip as a side or topping to any hearty dish like – curry, lamb chops, biryani, or roasted vegetables.
What type of yogurt should you use?
Unlike thicker Tzatziki sauce that uses Greek yogurt, the consistency of our easy raita recipe should be slightly runny and raita-like. For that reason, I recommend using plain, whole-milk yogurt or dahi.
Do I have to peel the cucumber skin?
It comes down to preference, but you can make it either way.
More Yogurt Recipes:
Easy Raita Recipe
- Airtight Container
- 1 cup yogurt, full-fat
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cumin, ground, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- ½ cucumber, peeled and finely diced
- ¼ red onion, finely diced
- Combine yogurt, salt, and ground cumin in a small mixing bowl.
- Finely dice cilantro, cucumber, and onion; stir the ingredients into the yogurt.
- The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.