Elevate your culinary creations with this vibrant and refreshing Watercress Raita, a unique twist on the classic Indian yogurt side dish. This quick and easy recipe combines the peppery bite of fresh watercress, the cooling crunch of grated cucumber, and a hint of zesty lemon for a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Infused with aromatic ground cumin and fresh cilantro, this raita is a nutritious and flavorful accompaniment to spicy curries, biryanis, or as a dip for naan and kebabs. Ready in just 10 minutes, this creamy yogurt-based dish is a refreshing addition to any meal, making it ideal for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners. Serve it chilled for the ultimate palate cleanser and a burst of herby goodness!
Wash the watercress thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
Trim any thick stems from the watercress, then finely chop the leaves and tender stems. Set aside.
Peel the cucumber and grate it using a box grater. Squeeze out excess water from the grated cucumber by pressing it gently between your hands or using a clean kitchen towel.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk the plain yogurt until smooth and creamy.
Add the chopped watercress, grated cucumber, and finely chopped cilantro leaves to the yogurt. Stir well to combine.
Sprinkle in the ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
Drizzle in the lemon juice and give the raita one final stir to incorporate all the flavors.
Taste the raita and adjust the seasoning, if necessary, according to your preference.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the raita for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve chilled as a side dish or condiment alongside your favorite meals.
Calories |
345 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 8.4 g | 11% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.0 g | 25% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 29 mg | 10% | |
| Sodium | 1575 mg | 68% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 41.0 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 36.5 g | ||
| Protein | 29.3 g | 59% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.9 mcg | 29% | |
| Calcium | 1060 mg | 82% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 1723 mg | 37% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.