Whip up an easy cucumber raita recipe in minutes with simple ingredients for a cool, refreshing dip you can pair with anything 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 South Asian countries. It is paired with meals like biryani and pulao to calm the spicy flavors with the cooling nature of the raita.
Key Ingredients
- 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
- Experiment with mix-ins. Stir in fresh ingredients like tomatoes or mint leaves Add some heat with diced Thai or Serrano chilies, then finish the sauce with a pinch of chaat masala.
How to Make a Cucumber 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 enjoy this side dish, try one of these sauce recipes!
Serving Suggestions
- Appetizers: Samosa, Pakora
- Meat Entrees: Lamb Shoulder Chops, Baked Tandoori Chicken, Tandoori Chicken Tikka, Grilled Tandoori Chicken, Joojeh Kabob, Adana Kebab
- Rice Entrees: Chicken Tikka Biryani, Yakhni Pulao, Chicken Yakhni Pulao
Storage
Store leftover cucumber raita 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 full-fat yogurt
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- ½ cucumber, peeled and finely diced
- ¼ red onion, finely diced
- Combine the yogurt, salt, and ground cumin in a small bowl.
- Finely dice the fresh cilantro, cucumber, and onion. Stir the ingredients into the yogurt to combine.