Cucumber Raita with Black Mustard and Cilantro

A cooling Indian yogurt condiment made with grated cucumber, spiced with toasted cumin and black mustard seeds, and garnished with fresh cilantro. Perfect accompaniment to spicy dishes.

6 servings
18 min

Ingredients

  • ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 tablespoon sunflower or other neutral oil
  • 1 teaspoon black or brown mustard seeds
  • 3 whole Persian cucumbers
  • 3 cups plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic clove
  • cup finely chopped cilantro
  • to taste Kosher salt
  • to taste Kashmiri chili powder

Cooking Instructions

  1. 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.

    3 min

  2. 2.

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

    3 min

  3. 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.

    10 min

  4. 4.

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

    2 min