Cucumber Raita called “Pacchadi” in South India, is really a refreshing side dish. It is made with plain yoghurt, so it is cool, healthy, has a lot of protein and is very yummy. I call yoghurt “The Equalizer” because it does just that when you eat spicy and hot dishes. It equalizes not only your taste buds that are scorching from heat or revolted by other strange tastes, but it also equalizes the digestive system within. I am really glad that I can use it every day in some way or the other. I am lucky and I want you to be too!
And talking about Cucumber, you know the saying “Cool as a Cucumber”! Combine Cucumber with yoghurt, and you literally get a “Cool” dish. Throw in a couple of condiments to eliminate the plain taste and voila!, you have a mildly flavored, delicious side dish. You look cool, you feel cool, what more do you need ?!
Hover over the highlighted Keywords below for Images and/or Description of some of the Ingredients:
Cilantro, Cumin Seeds, Mustard Seeds, Red Chilli, Urad Dahl, Yoghurt
Versatile Tasty Side Dish
Refreshing Cucumber Raita
Print recipe| Serves | 2- 4 |
| Prep time | 5 minutes |
| Cook time | 5 minutes |
| Total time | 10 minutes |
| Dietary | Diabetic, Gluten Free, Vegetarian |
| Meal type | Side Dish |
| Misc | Child Friendly, Pre-preparable, Serve Cold |
| Region | Indian |
Ingredients
- 1 Large Cucumber (Peeled and finely chopped or grated)
- 4 cups Plain Youghurt
- 2 tablespoons Milk
- 1 teaspoon Sour Cream
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon Mustard Seeds
- 1 Small Red Chili
- 2 teaspoons Olive, Avocado or Sesame Oil
- 1 tablespoon Cilantro (finely chopped)
- 1/2 - 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 - 1 teaspoon Urad Dahl
Directions
| Step 1 | |
| Add oil to a medium deep skillet or frying pan. | |
| Step 2 | |
| Add mustard seeds, red chili and urad dahl. When urad dahl is golden brown and the mustard seeds crackle fairly fast, add cumin seeds and fry a few more seconds until cumin seeds are lightly fried. | |
| Step 3 | |
| Remove pan from the stove. Add the cucumber and salt. Mix well. | |
| Step 4 | |
| Set aside and let it cool a little and get back to room temperature. | |
| Step 5 | |
| Add youghurt, milk, sour cream, cilantro and mix thoroughly. Refrigerate covered until ready to serve. | |
| Step 6 | |
| Serve cold as a side to anything. | |
