Skip to main content

Cucumber Raita with Black Mustard and Cilantro

3.8

(2)

Image may contain Food Pizza and Seasoning
Photo by Peden + Munk

While this cooling yogurt sauce recipe is welcome alongside spicy foods, it is also amazing slathered on flatbreads or spooned over basmati rice. This recipe is from Gunpowder, an Indian restaurant in London.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    3 cups

Ingredients

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 tablespoon sunflower or other neutral oil
1 teaspoon black or brown mustard seeds
3 Persian cucumbers
3 cups plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 garlic clove, finely grated
1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro, plus sprigs for serving
Kosher salt
Kashmiri chili powder or paprika (for serving)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Toast cumin seeds in a dry small saucepan over medium heat, shaking pan often, until fragrant, about 45 seconds. Transfer to a plate and let cool. Coarsely grind in a spice mill or coarsely chop with a chef’s knife; set aside for serving.

    Step 2

    Heat oil and mustard seeds in a small skillet over medium until seeds begin to pop, about 1 minute. Let cool.

    Step 3

    Grate cucumbers on the medium holes of a box grater; squeeze out excess liquid with your hands and transfer to a medium bowl. Mix in yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and 1/3 cup cilantro; season with salt.

    Step 4

    To serve, drizzle raita with mustard oil, sprinkle with chili powder and reserved cumin, and top with cilantro sprigs.

Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Like crispy gnocchi caprese and raspberry—brown butter skillet cake.
Like hot honey chicken with peaches and a dirty martini spritz.
A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.
Apple pie in doughnut hole form? We’re in love.
The secret to flavorful, never-greasy eggplant parm? Brine the eggplant first.
A spicy-funky upgrade for lettuce cups, sandwiches, and more.