Easy Vegetable Raita Recipe (15 Minutes!) Recipe
Easy Vegetable Raita is a refreshing and cooling yogurt-based Indian side dish prepared in just 15 minutes. It combines creamy yogurt with fresh chopped cucumber, tomato, onion, and aromatic spices like cumin and chaat masala, making it a perfect accompaniment to spicy meals or rice dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Raita Base
- 1 cup plain, whole milk yogurt
- 1/4 cup whole milk (or half and half for richer consistency)
- 2-4 tbsp water or sparkling water (optional, for thinning)
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds (toasted or regular)
- 1/4 tsp cumin powder
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (or 1/8 tsp red chili powder)
- 1/8 tsp chaat masala (optional)
- 1/4 tsp sugar (cane sugar preferred)
- scant 1/2 tsp sea salt
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 small Persian/mini cucumber (or 1/4 large English cucumber)
- 1/4 small yellow or red onion
- 1/2 small Roma or Vine tomato
- 2-3 tbsp cilantro leaves (finely chopped; or 1 tbsp mint leaves or combination)
Instructions
- Chop the Cucumber: Trim the cucumber ends and peel if the skin is thick or bitter. Quarter it lengthwise and slice as thinly as possible to ensure even texture in the raita.
- Chop the Onion: Take a small onion quarter or wedge from a medium/large onion. Halve it lengthwise and thinly slice to incorporate mild onion flavor without overpowering.
- Chop the Tomato: Halve the tomato and finely dice it. You may discard or squeeze out seeds for less moisture and a cleaner taste.
- Prepare Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt, milk, water (if using), cumin seeds, cumin powder, black pepper, red chili flakes, chaat masala, sugar, and salt until smooth and combined.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped cucumber, onion, tomato, and most of the chopped cilantro leaves, reserving some for garnish. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed based on your meal pairing, adding more salt or spices accordingly.
- Serve: Garnish with the reserved cilantro and serve immediately for best freshness. Alternatively, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Use sparkling water for a lighter, airier raita texture, but it is optional and usually not necessary.
- If you prefer a creamier raita, substitute half and half for whole milk.
- Adjust spice levels depending on what you’re serving it with; reduce chili if served alongside spicy dishes, or increase for a kick with milder meals.
- Best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Peeling cucumber is recommended if the skin is thick, waxy, or bitter.
