Description
This refreshing Vegan Raita is a traditional Indian yogurt dip made with unsweetened nondairy yogurt, grated cucumber, fresh herbs, and warming spices. It’s a perfect dairy-free accompaniment to spicy dishes, offering coolness and flavor in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Veggies & Herbs
- 1/4 of a medium cucumber (unpeeled)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
Dressing & Spices
- 1 cup unsweetened nondairy yogurt
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated or finely minced
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or Indian red chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
Instructions
- Grate the cucumber: Using a box grater, grate the unpeeled cucumber finely. Then, wrap the grated cucumber in several layers of paper towels or a clean dish towel and squeeze thoroughly to press out as much excess water as possible. This step ensures the raita doesn’t become watery.
- Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the pressed grated cucumber with 1 cup of unsweetened nondairy yogurt. Add the crushed garlic, grated ginger, chopped cilantro, chopped mint leaves, lime juice, ground cumin, garam masala, cayenne pepper or red chili powder, and kosher salt. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Store and serve: Transfer the raita to an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be stored for 2 to 3 days. Serve chilled as a refreshing dip or side dish alongside Indian meals or spicy foods.
Notes
- Use unsweetened nondairy yogurt like coconut or almond-based for best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne or chili powder to control heat level.
- Always squeeze out the cucumber juice thoroughly to prevent watery raita.
- Fresh herbs like cilantro and mint are essential for authentic flavor.
- Raita pairs well with biryanis, curries, and grilled vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dip
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Indian
Keywords: Vegan Raita, Indian Vegan Dip, Dairy-free Raita, Indian Yogurt Dip, Vegan Indian Recipes, Nondairy Raita
