Creamy yogurt, crunchy cucumbers and fresh herbs create this refreshing sauce perfect for grilled meats and naan bread.
When I swore off artificial sweeteners years ago, I was amazed by how many items in my “healthy refrigerator” were full of them. I had a lot of fake foods going on in there.
Plain yogurt has been a mainstay in my house and a part of my everyday diet for my entire life. It is tangy and creamy – the perfect complement to most Syrian dishes such as my Stuffed Kousa or even dolloped on top of bulgar wheat. Mixed with blueberries, walnuts, flax and a little honey – it is a delicious breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up. Plain yogurt also blends well with fruit in a healthy smoothie.
Why is yogurt good for you?
- Boosts immune system
- Increases fat burning after consumption aiding in weight loss
- Good source of calcium, phosphorus, iodine and riboflavin-vitamin B2
- Lowers your bad (LDL) cholesterol and raises your good (HDL) cholesterol
- May prevent Osteoporosis
- High calcium diets are linked to lower body fat
I encourage you to flavor plain yogurt with natural sweeteners such as fresh fruit, honey, fruit preserves or bananas. Do you love Greek yogurt? Me too! Buy any plain yogurt and place it in a mesh strainer with a sheet of paper towel. Strain in your fridge for a few hours and you’ll end up with thick and creamy yogurt, minus the hefty price tag.
What dish is good with cucumber raita?
Indian Raita is one of my favorite accompaniments to my Tandoori Grilled Chicken. It tastes great with anything from grilled eggplant to lamb curry. The cool, creamy yogurt dip is the perfect balance to spicy foods as well. After making this recipe, you’ll realize that I don’t eat yogurt because it’s good for me, I eat yogurt because it’s delish.
Your spoon is waiting.
Cucumber Yogurt Raita
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain lowfat yogurt (strained)
- 1 small tomato (seeded and chopped)
- ½ cup seedless cucumber (diced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ⅓ cup fresh cilantro (minced)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and serve. Add fresh cilantro to garnish.
Nutrition
Want more delicious recipes? Head over to Pinterest!
Want more refreshing and light side dish ideas? Head over to my Pinterest board!
Love the website and recipes. I liked your description of healthy plain yogurt, and finding sneaky sugars and artificial sweeteners. Just out of curiosity, considering your statements, I’m surprised you have advertisements on your website for Capri Sun?
Hi Katie – Thank you so much for your kind words. I so appreciate you taking the time to not just read my recipes but read my posts as well. With regards to the Capri Sun advertisement, I belong to several advertising networks and they pick the advertisements for my blog. My apologies in advance if you find them offensive but I do need the advertising revenue so that I can continue to provide free, high quality content and recipes for you and my readers. I hope you understand! Thank you again for reaching out.
Since the plain yogurt is supposed to be strained, could you replaced it with greek yogurt if you already have that in your fridge?
Absolutely!!
Nice recipe. Thanks Liz.
Thank you so much Liz!