My Favourite Salads
I made a very simple cucumber raita, a few days ago. I have been making it for years. There are very many versions of this recipe, but I prefer the simplest one, with three ingredients, cumin, yoghurt and cucumber. Sometimes cumin can be roasted with black mustard seeds. Besides cumin, you can add coriander, mint or cayenne pepper or other herbs and spices, suitable to your palate. To enrich the flavour, ginger, garlic or green chilli paste, can be added. Other than cucumber, other veggies, like tomatoes, spinach, beet, carrot, pumpkin or potato, can be used, or even fruits like bananas, mango, guava and pineapple.
I kept on imagining today was Friday. But now I’m happy at least I have a three-day weekend. What a relief. I wish you a fabulous weekend.
- Ingredients
- 1 English cucumber
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 125g (½ cup) thick natural yoghurt
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon paprika to garnish
Please always remember to assemble all ingredients before you start
Whisk the yoghurt until smooth. Stir in cumin and salt. Reserve a few slices of cucumber for the garnish and add the rest to the yoghurt and mix well.
Serve the raita, arrange reserved cucumber on top and sprinkle the paprika evenly.
If you love freshly roasted and ground cumin seeds, you’ll love this
Cucumber Raita
Preparation Time: 15 minutes; Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 1 English cucumber
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 125g (½ cup) thick natural yoghurt
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon paprika to garnish
Instructions
- Peel the cucumber, cut lengthwise into two and slice finely.
- Heat a small pan over low heat and dry roast the cumin seeds until they turn a shade darker. Allow the seeds to cool, and then crush them with a rolling pin or pestle and mortar.
- Whisk the yoghurt until smooth. Stir in cumin and salt. Reserve a few slices of cucumber for the garnish and add the rest to the yoghurt and mix well.
- Serve the raita, arrange reserved cucumber on top and sprinkle the paprika evenly.
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That would be so refreshing! 🙂
yes, it would!
Liz
I often make cucumber raita – one of these effortless dishes that make a plate looks special. I usually add a pinch of coriander powder and some fresh mint. Love the idea of cumin seeds and paprika. I am certainly going to give it a try.
Hi Afra
Fresh mint is certainly a great addition. It’s so very refreshing. Freshly ground cumin is excellent too! Have a lovely day!
Liz
How lovely and summery. I just picked up a batch of cucumbers on sale at the market yesterday. Thank you.
Very easy to make. I’m so lazy so I love instant recipes! Enjoy your weekend!
Lioz
I love your cucumber raita, chilled refreshing perfect for summers.
Thank you. Enjoy the week!
Liz
Will probably try this with carrots or mangoes. Coriander sounds good too. Hope you have a great weekend. 🙂
Oh yes you can make raita with any fruit or veggie. I think yoghurt can go with everything, My weekend was super nice. I hope the week has been good for you! My best wishes to your wife!
Liz
Well, how easy is that and it looks fantastic! I’ve made it before with sour cream and lemon but I will certainly try yogurt. Maybe even tonight. The yogurt here is so rich and creamy! I’m sure I have grown in height for sure!!! Grin! Hope you are having a wonderful Easter weekend! It’s very hot dry and windy here! Happy Easter Liz!
Hi Sandy,
At least it’s hot and dry. Soon summer will be here and you’ll be receiving your second dose of heat. I love rich and creamy yoghurt. it’s always such a pleasure to drink. I hope you made the raita. I love it because i can make it in minutes and I always have a cucumber in the fridge. Enjoy your holiday and best wishes to your family and friends!
Liz
Simple and delicious! We’ve made something similar for years, however we’ve always used sour cream with a splash of white vinegar. Love your version using yogurt!
Hi Nancy,
Oh yes, I love using yoghurt. So much easier to use and better in fat content than cream. Have a very pleasant week!
Liz
Raita is my crack, glad to see someone else enjoys it as well!
I am glad too. Have a lovely week!
Liz
Very similar to something I make too. I hope to be eating lots of this when the cucumbers come in! Enjoy your long holiday weekend!
Hi Mama D,
I can just imagine all the fresh fruits and veggies waiting to be harvested. How lovely! I wish you a pleasant week!
Liz
I use cumin some in Mexican food, but never thought to put it with cucumbers. Might be good!
Hi Judie,
Cumin is one os my favourite spices. I use it in rice, beef, salad…I think you can add it to everything. It’s a great spice with a strong smell and flavour too! Virtual hugs to you!
Liz
Yummy!
That’s interesting recipe 🙂
Thank you!
Liz
You just made an Indian girl very, very happy! This is my favourite raita of all time 🙂
It’s my favourite too. Enjoy the week!
Liz
Looks like a nice side dish.