Cucumber Raita with Mint - Refreshing Dip - Vegan Recipe (2024)

With a little twist on the classic preparation, this cucumber raita with mint provides a refreshing dip to accompany any spicy meal. Dairy-free and soy-free dipping sauce.

Cucumber Raita with Mint - Refreshing Dip - Vegan Recipe (1)

Similar to a Greek tzatziki, cucumber raita is a simple yogurt-based sauce that is served alongside spicy meals and very often with Indian food. No biryani dish is complete without a dollop of this cooling condimenton the side. A refreshing mouthful of this creamycucumber dip provides the much needed relief to douse fiery curries or spicy dishes.

Among the many different types of raita that exist, the grated cucumber one is probably the most common. Other varieties make use of various vegetables like carrot, radish, beetroot or a mixture of these.

Besides the seasonings that are quintessential to a raita preparation, swapping the lemon juice for balsamic vinegar enlivens the whole blend with a mellow tartness, subduing the strong acidity that lemons would have otherwise lent. Fresh mint leaves add to the cooling effect of this raita but you can also use coriander leaves (cilantro) if you prefer.

English cucumbersare what comes readily available over herebut other varieties are also suitable. The skin can be left on; it adds a nice touch of green to the blend. However,depending on the variety, it is preferable to peel certain types of cucumbers.

A pinch of ground cumin and coriander seed powder add a subtle punch of flavour, especially if you are serving this raita with bland food. If the other constituents of the meal are spicy enough, then you may want to omit the spices and keep the dip neutral and cooling.

This raita works well with curries in wraps or over rice. The jackfruit curry that we made a few weeks ago presents a delicious combo. Raita is also a very nice accompaniment with a scrumptious biryani dish.
Or simply use this raita as a dipping sauce with your favourite snacks or other finger food.

Raita goes well with these dishes from the blog:

Mauritian Biryani with Okra and Soya Chunks

Kalia Jackfruit Curry

Roasted Pepper and Lentil Crackers

Harissa Spiced Tomato Fried Rice

Watch the video for the step by step process.

Cucumber Raita with Mint

Ingredients (serve 3 – 4)
1 ½ [about 425 g] English cucumbers
¼ cup [2-3 springs, 8 g] fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice)
¼ teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
¼ teaspoon coriander seed powder (optional)
200 ml coconut milk, thick and creamy (or Greek-style vegan yoghurt)
Salt to taste

You may peel the cucumbers or leave the skin on. Grate them using a coarse grater. Once grated, squeeze out the excess water from the cucumber and place them aside in another mixing bowl. You don’t actually need to remove the water to the last drop but just some of the excess so that the raita doesn’t turn out too watery.

If the coconut milk has solidified, beat it well into a smooth creamy mixture first. If you are using vegan yogurt instead, beat it to a smooth consistency too.

Then add all the rest of the ingredients into the mixing bowl with the grated cucumber and mix well.

Lastly add the salt to taste. If you are not serving the raita right away, you may refrigerate it without the salt. Then add the salt in just before serving.

Note: You can drink the leftover cucumber water or use it in a smoothie.

Cucumber Raita with Mint | A Refreshing Dip | Dairy-free + Soy-free + Vegan Recipe

With a little twist on the classic preparation, this cucumber raita with mint provides a refreshing dip to accompany any spicy meal. Dairy-free and soy-free.

Course Dips/Sauces

Cuisine Indian

Keyword cucumber dip, cucumber raita, dipping sauce

Prep Time 7 minutes mins

Total Time 7 minutes mins

Servings 3 - 4 servings

Author Teenuja Dahari - veganlovlie.com

Ingredients

  • English cucumbers, [about 425 g]
  • ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, [2-3 sprigs, 8 g], finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, or lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin, optional
  • ¼ teaspoon coriander seed powder, optional
  • 200 ml coconut milk, thick and creamy (or Greek-style vegan yoghurt)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  • You may peel the cucumbers or leave the skin on. Grate them using a coarse grater. Once grated, squeeze out the excess water from the cucumber and place them aside in another mixing bowl. You don’t actually need to remove the water to the last drop but just some of the excess so that the raita doesn’t turn out too watery.

  • If the coconut milk has solidified, beat it well into a smooth creamy mixture first. If you are using vegan yogurt instead, beat it to a smooth consistency too.

  • Then add all the rest of the ingredients into the mixing bowl with the grated cucumber and mix well.

  • Lastly add the salt to taste. If you are not serving the raita right away, you may refrigerate it without the salt. Then add the salt in just before serving.

Video

Notes

Note: You can drink the leftover cucumber water or use it in a smoothie.

Link to original recipe -Cucumber Raita with Mint -https://veganlovlie.com/cucumber-raita-mint-dip-vegan-recipe/

Cucumber Raita with Mint - Refreshing Dip - Vegan Recipe (3)

Cucumber Raita with Mint - Refreshing Dip - Vegan Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between tzatziki and cucumber raita? ›

What's the Difference Between Raita and Tzatziki? Raita is made on the base of regular yogurt while tzatziki is made using Greek yogurt. Raita is thinner in consistency, while tzatziki has a dip-like thick texture. A raita will never have olive oil, while tzatziki is flavored with olive oil in certain recipes.

What dip is made from yogurt cucumber and mint? ›

"THIS is how tzatziki should be.

How do you thicken cucumber raita? ›

If you find that the raita is too thin, stir in a little more thick yoghurt. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can always add a drop or two of milk to thin it.

What is cucumber raita made of? ›

Cucumber Raita also known as Indian Cucumber Yogurt Sauce is a simple side dish made by mixing grated or chopped cucumbers with thick yogurt/Greek yogurt, salt and ground cumin. Sometimes ground black pepper, coriander leaves and mint leaves are also used.

Can I turn tzatziki into raita? ›

The same is true for raita — a side dish that's an important addition to a vast array of Indian foods. Swasthi's Recipes calls it tzatziki's cousin because both condiments share yogurt as a distinctive component and serve a purpose as part of a meal. However, each one is unique, meaning they're not interchangeable.

Is tzatziki healthier than hummus? ›

Yes, tzatziki is considered a healthier dip than hummus and sour cream. It contains several vitamins, a good amount of protein, and fewer carbohydrates and calories. The fat content of tzatziki is low too, which is not the case with other dips.

What does cucumber and mint do for your body? ›

This recipe is full of goodness

They help to cleanse the body by flushing out toxins, whilst also boosting your immune system and aiding better digestion. Mint is also good for digestion and provides a touch of sweetness without the sugar. Cucumbers are 96% water, so they provide a subtle flavour and extra hydration.

What is a sauce made from yogurt garlic cucumber and mint or dill called? ›

Tzatziki is a creamy cucumber yogurt dip (or sauce) made from simple ingredients including strained yogurt (or Greek yogurt), cucumbers, garlic, and sometimes fresh herbs such as dill or mint.

Can I substitute plain yogurt for sour cream in a dip? ›

Yogurt is your best substitute for sour cream. Whether you're baking or making a dip or sauce, yogurt is a 1:1 sub. That means if your recipe calls for 1 cup of sour cream, you can replace it with 1 cup of yogurt.

What do we call raita in English? ›

'yogurt cucumber'), whereas in western regions of Nepal it is known as raito. Raita is also sometimes simply called dahi, or "sourmilk", after its main ingredient, particularly in South African Indian cuisine.

Is cucumber raita healthy? ›

And, curd that you mix with cucumber has properties that balance cortisol production. Adding cucumber raita to your diet is great because this is a light and healthy food option that not only helps in digestion but light for your stomach and good for your cardiovascular health.

How do Indians eat raita? ›

Raita can be as simple as dressing up plain yogurt with salt and spices, or it can be loaded with herbs, fruits, raw or cooked vegetables, chickpeas, and even boiled potatoes. Raita can be thin and light—ideal alongside rice dishes and curries—or thick and chunky—perfect for scooping up with roti and naan.

Can I eat cucumber raita at night? ›

Eating Cucumber or its juice can cause cold because of its Sita (cold) property. It increases Kapha in the body and leads to cold especially in the winter season. It is advisable to avoid Cucumber juice at night.

How long does raita keep in the fridge? ›

Leftover raita will keep for up to three days in the fridge.

Does tzatziki taste like cucumber? ›

Some might think of this dip as something similar to sour cream, but if you're wondering what tzatziki tastes like, it is slightly tangy, garlicky, and cool due to the use of cucumber and fresh herbs.

What is raita sauce made of? ›

Ingredients
  • 250g Greek yogurt.
  • 1 garlic clove.
  • thumb-sized piece ginger, finely grated.
  • ½ small pack coriander, chopped.
  • 0.25 small pack mint, leaves chopped.
  • juice 0.5 lime.
  • ½ tsp garam masala, plus a little extra to serve.
  • ¼ cucumber, grated and lightly squeezed.

What sauce is similar to tzatziki? ›

If you love this tzatziki recipe…

Try my hummus, tahini sauce, chipotle sauce, cilantro lime dressing, pico de gallo, tomatillo salsa, or guacamole next!

How is raita meant to be eaten? ›

Raita can be served as a dip or a side dish. In the latter case, it is easiest to view it as a salad. In India, people snack on raita between courses to cool the mouth, or they mix it first with rice before eating it with a curry.

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