Description
Creamy, flavorful, and refreshing, this Vegan Raita is the perfect side to a spicy meal. Made in just 5-10 minutes, this simple dish complements Indian-style dishes perfectly.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 16 oz plain vegan yogurt (see note 1 for recommendations)
- Juice of 1 small lemon
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin or toasted cumin seeds, ground (see note 2)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, to taste
- 1 small white/yellow/sweet onion, very finely diced
- 3/4 cup seedless/Persian cucumbers, diced (or peel/seed regular cucumber)
- 1-2 green chilies, seeded and minced, optional
- 2-3 tablespoons cilantro leaves, finely chopped (see note 3)
- 2-3 tablespoons mint leaves, finely chopped
Instructions
- Mix the flavorings with the yogurt: Mix together the vegan yogurt, salt, cumin powder (or ground toasted cumin), and lemon juice until well combined.
- Add the veg: Add in the onion, cucumber, chilies (if using), and fresh herbs and stir gently.
- Serve: Serve this alongside your favorite curry or vegan biryani and enjoy!
- Store: Refrigerate leftovers for 2-3 days in an airtight container.
Notes
- Note 1: My favorite is Kite Hill plain yogurt because it’s thick and creamy but definitely a little tangy. Forager Project vegan yogurt is also really good. Keep in mind these are nut-based so if you cannot have nuts, you may be able to find plain coconut yogurt or plain soy yogurt. You can also substitute a sour cream like my tofu sour cream. I’d use less lemon till you try it--raita is supposed to be tangy but not super sour.
- Note 2: I used cumin powder to keep it simple, but if you’d prefer, toast some cumin seeds in a dry pan and grind them in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder for more flavor.
- Note 3: Fresh herbs are a hallmark of raita. If you aren’t a fan of cilantro, try parsley instead.
- Note 4: This is a basic raita--there are tons of varieties based on what vegetable or fruit you use and various ways of customizing it.
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Ingredient
- Method: Stove top
- Cuisine: Dessert
Keywords: Vegan, Oil-Free, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Soy-Free, Refined Sugar-Free, Vegan Caramel Sauce