Cucumber Raita - A Perfect Cooler

Raita is nothing but a simple dip prepared with yogurt/curd/dahi and different combinations of vegetables or spices. Here I have made a cucumber raita a perfect cooler to settle down our stomach and bring down the heat in our body.

Cucumber belongs to the gourd family and is believed to be the oldest cultivated vegetable originated in Northern India. Cucumbers has various health benefits, it is low in calories and fat.

Here's how to make Cucumber Raita with step by step photos....

Ingredients

Yogurt/Curd/Dahi	2 cups
Cucumber	1 [Peeled & Grated]
Salt	As needed
Black pepper powder	One pinch
Cumin powder	One pinch

For Seasoning

Oil	1 tsp
Mustard seeds	½ tsp
Cumin seeds	½ tsp
Urad dal	½ tsp
Green chillies	1 finely chopped
Curry leaves	Few
Cilantro/coriander leaves	3 tsp finely chopped

Method

Wash, Peel and grate the cucumber. Take the grated cucumber in a bowl.

Add the yogurt/curd, salt,  pepper powder, cumin powder to the cucumber and mix well.

Heat oil in a pan and splutter the mustard seeds, add cuminseeds, urad dal and saute until dal turns color. When it starts to change color add green chillies, curry leaves and saute for 10 sec.

Now add the seasoning to the yogurt and mix everything well. Finally add the cilantro leaves and give a good stir.

Yummy and healthy cucumber raita is ready to be enjoyed. Serve the raita with any rice varities or just as a side dish with rotis and chapathis.

Health Benefits of Cucumber

• Cucumber has 96% water content, it helps in keeping the body hydrated and regulates our body temperature.
• Cucumbers are very good digestive aid, it helps in curing heartburn, gastritis and even ulcers. The high water content and dietary fiber helps in getting rid of toxins from our system and helps in digestion.
• Cucumber is believed to control our Blood Pressure [BP] because it contains potassium, magnesium and fiber which regulates the BP.

Other raita varieties that might be of your interest…

Beetroot Pachadi/Beetroot Raita

Carrot Pachadi/Carrot Raita

Cucumber Raita/Cucumber Pachadi

Onion Raita/Vengaya Pachadi

Okra Pachadi/Okra Raita/Vendakkai Pachadi

Potato Raita/Potato Pachadi/UrulaikizanguPachadi

Mango Pachadi/Maanga Pachadi

I have discussed a few important benefits of cucumber here but there are more benefits to it. Ok guys, let us all eat healthy and lead a healthy life…

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