Kumaoni Raita Recipe | Uttarakhand’s Refreshing and Delicious Dish

Published: 03/08/2025

Kumaoni cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors rooted in the traditions of Uttarakhand, a beautiful state in northern India. One of its most beloved side dishes is Kumaoni Raita, a cool, tangy yogurt-based dish that pairs perfectly with the region’s spicy main courses. This refreshing dish is easy to prepare, and its versatility makes it a staple in Kumaoni households.

In this blog, we’ll explore the steps to prepare Kumaoni Kheera Raita, a popular variation of this dish that uses cucumber as its main vegetable. We’ll also give you tips on making the best Kumaoni raita recipe.

Table of Content

Spicy and Sweet Kumaoni Raita
Ingredients for Kumaoni Raita
How to Make Kumaoni Raita
Tips for Perfect Kumaoni Raita
Serve the Kumaoni Raita
Kumaoni Raita Health Benefits
Conclusion

Spicy and Sweet Kumaoni Raita

Kumaoni Raita is a simple, yogurt-based side dish with vegetables and spices. It is light and cooling and often served alongside traditional Kumaoni meals to balance the flavors of spicy curries and rice flavors.

Kumaoni Kheera Raita is a dish variation that emphasizes the refreshing taste of cucumber. The crisp texture of the cucumber, combined with the creamy yogurt, creates a perfect harmony of flavors. The key ingredients of this raita are yogurt, cucumber, and aromatic spices, which are staples in Kumaoni kitchens.

Ingredients for Kumaoni Raita

To prepare a delicious Kumaoni Raita recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Yogurt: Fresh, thick yogurt is essential for a creamy texture.
Vegetables: Cucumber (kheera) is commonly used in Kumaoni Kheera Raita, but tomatoes and onions can also be added for a more robust flavor.
Spices: Ground cumin, coriander powder, black salt, and a pinch of roasted cumin powder enhance the taste.
Herbs: Fresh coriander leaves for garnish.

Tip: Add finely chopped green chilies for an extra kick or a pinch of red chili powder.

How to Make Kumaoni Raita

Here’s a simple step-by-step Kumaoni Raita recipe that you can try at home:

Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and peel the cucumber (or any other vegetable you are using) and chop it into small pieces. If you want a smoother texture, you can grate the cucumber instead.
Whisk the Yogurt: Whisk the yogurt in a bowl until it becomes smooth and creamy. This helps ensure the raita is light and airy.
Add the Vegetables: Stir in the chopped cucumber, tomatoes, and onions.
Season the Raita: Add roasted cumin powder, coriander powder, black salt, and other spices you prefer. Mix them well with the yogurt and vegetables.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the raita for 15-30 minutes to combine the flavors. Serve chilled.

Tip: Taste your raita before serving and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add a dash of sugar to balance the tartness of the yogurt.

Tips for Perfect Kumaoni Raita

Creating the perfect Kumaoni Kheera Raita requires attention to a few details:

Chill the Yogurt: For the best flavor, use chilled yogurt. It also enhances the dish’s overall freshness.
Adjust the Spice Level: Prefer red chili powder, sprinkle for more spicy raita or green chilies for extra spiciness.
Use Fresh Vegetables: Cucumbers and tomatoes give your raita the best taste and texture.
Don’t Overmix: Keep the texture chunky for a more authentic experience. Overmixing can make the raita too runny.

Serve the Kumaoni Raita

Kumaoni Raita is a versatile dish that complements many types of meals. Here are some ideas for serving:

With Rice: Pair your Kumaoni Kheera Raita with a bowl of steamed rice for a refreshing contrast to spicy curries.
As a Side Dish, it’s an excellent accompaniment to a traditional Kumaoni thali, which includes roti, dal, and meat or vegetable curries.
With Paratha or Chapati: The creaminess of the raita perfectly balances out the dryness of paratha or chapati.

Tip: A traditional Kumaoni meal of rice, dal, and spicy meat curry becomes more enjoyable when served with a side of Kumaoni Raita.

Kumaoni Raita Health Benefits

Besides being delicious, Kumaoni Raita also offers some great health benefits:

Rich in Probiotics: The yogurt in the raita contains probiotics that promote gut health.
Good for Digestion: The cooling properties of cucumber and yogurt help soothe the digestive system.
Full of Nutrients: Vegetables like cucumber and tomatoes contain vitamins and minerals that support overall health.

Tip: Including a bowl of raita with every heavy meal can help digestion and prevent bloating.

Conclusion

So guys, in this article, we’ve covered Kumaoni Raita and Kumaoni Kheera Raita in detail. These traditional dishes are easy to prepare and bring a taste of the mountains to your kitchen. I think they’re a must-try for anyone interested in regional Indian cuisine. Give them a shot at home, and share your feedback with us – we’d love to hear about your experience!

Don’t hesitate to try out this Kumaoni Raita recipe in your kitchen and enjoy the refreshing flavors of Uttarakhand!

Can I make Kumaoni Raita without cucumber?

Yes! You can use other vegetables like carrots, beets, or even boiled potatoes.

How long can I store Kumaoni Raita?

It’s best to consume it fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Can I make it spicier?

Absolutely! Add chopped green chilies or sprinkle chili powder for a spicier raita.