Homemade Cucumber Raita Sauce or Dip Recipe - Budget Bytes (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between tzatziki and cucumber raita? ›

Though both are dips made with yogurt and cucumber as the main ingredient, Tzatziki is thicker than raita, flavoured with olive oil, garlic, kosher salt & lemon juice. But raita is thinner and does not use any of those but uses cumin powder for flavor.

Cucumber raita is a type of raita recipe (yogurt dip). This popular Indian yogurt dip is made by combining freshly chopped cucumber (without seeds), cilantro and/or mint, yogurt (dahi), salt, and mild spices like roasted cumin, salt, and chaat masala.

Tzatziki is a refreshing and good-for-you yogurt and cucumber dip. Serve it with pita, grilled meats, gyros, or just eat it with a spoon!

'yogurt cucumber'), whereas in western regions of Nepal it is known as raito. Raita is also sometimes simply called dahi, or "sourmilk", after its main ingredient, particularly in South African Indian cuisine.

Raita is a side dish from India while tzatziki is a Greek sauce. Both are eaten as dips or as an accompaniment to a main dish. Their consistencies are different. Raita is made with plain yogurt and tzatziki is made with thicker Greek yogurt.

Leftover raita will keep for up to three days in the fridge. Remember to cover the sauce well, with cling film or an air-tight lid to prevent unwanted aromas from seeping in. You can also freeze raita.

And, curd that you mix with cucumber has properties that balance cortisol production. Adding cucumber raita to your diet is great because this is a light and healthy food option that not only helps in digestion but light for your stomach and good for your cardiovascular health.

It may be an old wives' tale, but rubbing pieces of cucumber together is said to pull some of the cucurbitacin to the surface. You can also salt your cucumbers to help even out the taste. Salted cucumbers have been my favorite snack since I was a little girl.

Spices: Cucumbers pair well with spices such as black pepper, cumin, and coriander. Fruits: Cucumbers pair well with fruits such as tomatoes, watermelon, and berries. Meats: Cucumbers pair well with meats such as chicken, salmon, and tuna. Seafood: Cucumbers pair well with seafood such as shrimp, crab, and oysters.

Why do you soak cucumbers in salt water? ›

Cucumbers are often soaked in salt water to remove some of the naturally high water content. Cucumbers will otherwise give up water and dilute the salad dressing. Unpeeled cucumbers are higher in nutritional value as fiber and vitamin A are lost by peeling.

Both generally involve some sort of herbaceous element: for tzatziki that means dill, mint, or parsley; cilantro often makes an appearance in raita recipes. Raita is more likely to include a spicy element. (Cumin, cayenne pepper, and ginger are common.)

A great alternative would be this Greek Yogurt Salad Dressing. You can also try to up the flavor profile by making a Yogurt Tahini Sauce or Yogurt Dill Sauce to enhance those Mediterranean flavors.

Tzatziki is a creamy cucumber yogurt dip (or sauce) made from simple ingredients including strained yogurt (or Greek yogurt), cucumbers, garlic, and sometimes fresh herbs such as dill or mint.

Difference between Dahi and Greek Yogurt

Traditional Indian yogurts usually involve a long fermentation process that results in an intense tangy flavor. Greek yogurt is made with strained cow's milk, resulting in a thick and creamy texture. It is usually unflavored and less sour than Indian yogurt.