Vegan Raita Recipe - Indian Yogurt Sauce (2024)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Diesen Beitrag gibt es auch auf:

  • Deutsch

This quick and easy vegan Raita recipe is a delicious traditional Indian yogurt sauce that’s cooling, refreshing, dairy-free, and super simple – similar to Greek Tzatziki. It’s very versatile and can be made in various ways so it’s the perfect dip or sauce for any Indian dish!

Vegan Raita Recipe - Indian Yogurt Sauce (2)

When it comes to Indian food, I love having a delicious dip or sauce on the side that makes a cooling contrast to the flavorful spices – and this vegan Raita recipe is one of my favorites!

It goes well with any Indian dishes, such as Samosas, Yellow Lentil Dal, Black Lentil Curry, Chickpea Curry, and Homemade Vegan Naan! However, I also enjoy it with any other foods because it’s so refreshing and just perfect for warmer days and bbq parties during summer!

Vegan Raita Recipe - Indian Yogurt Sauce (3)

What is Raita?

Raita is a traditional Indian yogurt sauce with cucumber, garlic, mint, and herbs like cilantro or parsley that’s one of the most versatile condiments. It’s delicious, light, refreshing, and has a cooling effect when you eat spicy food. While it’s traditionally made with Dahi (plain full-fat yogurt), it can be easily made vegan by using dairy-free yogurt instead. You can keep your vegan Raita simple or add in your favorite vegetables or even fresh fruits because it’s really versatile!

What’s the difference between Raita and Tzatziki?

Indian Raita and Greek Tzatziki are actually pretty similar, however, while Raita is made with plain yogurt, tzatziki is made with thicker Greek yogurt. That means Raita is thinner while tzatziki has a thicker consistency. Furthermore, Raita is a more versatile sauce and can be made in many different versions with different flavors!

Vegan Raita Recipe - Indian Yogurt Sauce (4)

Ingredients for Vegan Raita

Though there are endless Raita variations, I kept this vegan yogurt sauce recipe simple by using just a few basic ingredients that most are familiar with. All you need is:

  • cucumber
  • non-dairy yogurt
  • garlic
  • ginger
  • cilantro or parsley
  • mint
  • ground cumin
  • salt and pepper
  • lime or lemon juice

… and that’s it! You can absolutely play around with the fresh herbs and spices, adding a pinch of garam masala, turmeric, chili, or whatever you like. Also, green onions or veggies like beet, sweet potatoes, squash, etc. would be amazing to change things up!

Vegan Raita Recipe - Indian Yogurt Sauce (5)

Which dairy-free yogurt can I use?

I personally like Raita best when it’s made with plain soy or coconut yogurt that has a thick consistency. But if you can’t find a thick vegan yogurt, you could also mix in some silken tofu or dairy-free sour cream or cream cheese to create a thicker consistency. For more richness, you could also stir in a bit of coconut cream or cashew butter, or tahini. However, if you like the Raita more on the traditional saucy side, feel free to use just regular yogurt – That’s up to you!

How to make Vegan Raita

This recipe is super quick and easy to make! With only 2 steps and in just 5 minutes, you’ll have a delicious yogurt sauce or dip!

Step 1: Grate the cucumber

Start by grating the cucumber, leaving the skin on. Then sprinkle with a bit of salt and set aside for a few minutes. The salt helps to get the water out of the cucumber. After 5 minutes or so, transfer the grated in a fine-mesh sieve and squeeze it out with your hands to remove excess liquid. Set aside.

Vegan Raita Recipe - Indian Yogurt Sauce (6)

Step 2: Mix everything together

Now add the non-dairy yogurt to a bowl. Then add in squeezed cucumber, pressed garlic, grated ginger, chopped coriander or parsley, mint, and stir to combine. Season with cumin, salt, pepper, and lime or lemon juice to taste. Cover your vegan Raita and refrigerate to marinate or serve immediately as a yogurt dip or sauce to your favorite Indian dishes!

Vegan Raita Recipe - Indian Yogurt Sauce (7)

How to store this Indian yogurt sauce?

Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Also, note that the longer your Raita stays in the fridge, the more intense the flavors will be.

Vegan Raita Recipe - Indian Yogurt Sauce (8)

This Vegan Raita Recipe is:

  • Dairy-free (lactose-free)
  • Quick and easy to make
  • Plant-based
  • Refreshing
  • Creamy
  • Low in calories
  • Low-fat
  • Protein-Rich
  • Low-Carb
  • Flavorful
  • So delicious!
  • The perfect side dish for any Indian food recipes throughout the year!

Vegan Raita Recipe - Indian Yogurt Sauce (9)

More Vegan Dip or Dressing Sauces recipes to try:

  • Vegan Tzatziki
  • Creamy Guacamole
  • Hummus
  • Cashew Dip
  • The Best Peanut Sauce
  • Ajvar (Paprika Dip)
  • Herb dip
  • Cashew Mayonnaise (Vegan Aioli)
  • Vegan Yogurt Dressing
  • Sweet chili Sauce
  • Barbecue Sauce
  • Chipotle Sauce Dressing

If you try this vegan Raita recipe, please leave me a comment and rating because I’d love to hear your feedback! And if you take a photo of your Indian mint yogurt sauce and share it on Instagram, please tag me with @biancazapatka and use the hashtag #biancazapatka to be sure I don’t miss your post! 😊

Vegan Raita Recipe - Indian Yogurt Sauce (10)

Vegan Raita (Indian Yogurt Sauce)

Author: Bianca Zapatka

This quick and easy vegan Raita recipe is a delicious traditional Indian yogurt sauce that’s cooling, refreshing, dairy-free, and super simple - similar to Greek Tzatziki. It’s very versatile and can be made in various ways so it’s the perfect dip or sauce for any Indian dish!

Print Pin Review

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Basics, Dip, Sauce, Side Dish

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 53 kcal

Ingredients

  • ½ medium cucumber unpeeled and grated
  • 1 ½ cup (350 g) non-dairy yogurt unsweetened (*see notes)
  • 2 garlic cloves pressed (or less to taste)
  • ½ tsp ginger grated (optional to taste)
  • cup ( bunch) fresh cilantro or parsley finely chopped
  • 1 handful fresh mint finely chopped (+ to garnish)
  • tsp ground cumin or to taste
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • ½ tsp (½ tbp) pepper or to taste
  • 1-2 tbsp lime or lemon juice optional

Instructions

  • Grate the cucumber into a bowl. Sprinkle with 1 tsp of salt and set aside for 5 minutes. Then drain in a fine-mesh strainer and squeeze out any excess liquid with your hands. Set aside.

  • Add the non-dairy yogurt to another bowl (*see recipe notes for tips on a thicker consistency). Then add in squeezed cucumber, pressed garlic, grated ginger, chopped coriander or parsley and mint and stir to combine. Season with cumin, salt, pepper, and lime or lemon juice to taste. Cover and refrigerate to marinate or serve immediately.

  • Garnish with fresh mint and serve as a dip or sauce to Indian Samosas or your favorite dishes (see blog post above for serving suggestions).

Notes

  • Yogurt: Raita is best made with plain soy or coconut yogurt that has a thick consistency. But if you can’t find a thick vegan yogurt, you could also mix in some silken tofu or dairy-free sour cream or cream cheese to get a thicker consistency. For more richness, you could also stir in a bit of coconut cream or cashew butter or tahini. However, if you like the Raita more on the saucy side, feel free to use just regular yogurt.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Please read my blog post for tips on recipe variations and further information on this recipe.

Nutritions

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 53kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g

Nutrition is calculated automatically and should be used as estimate.

Did you make this recipe?Mention @biancazapatka or tag #biancazapatka!

IF YOU HAVE PINTEREST, YOU CAN FIND ME HERE AND PIN THE FOLLOWING PICTURE, IF YOU LIKE! 🙂

Vegan Raita Recipe - Indian Yogurt Sauce (11)

©Bianca Zapatka | All images & content are copyright protected. Please do not use myimages without prior permission. If you want to republish this recipe, please link back to this post for the recipe. More info here. Thank youfor supporting biancazapatka.com!

Vegan Raita Recipe - Indian Yogurt Sauce (12)Disclosure for affiliate links with asterisk(*):
Thispage may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission, at no additional cost to you. You can find more information here.

Vegan Raita Recipe - Indian Yogurt Sauce (2024)

FAQs

What is Indian yogurt sauce made of? ›

Raita is a popular Indian condiment made with plain yogurt that is seasoned with earthy and zingy spices, like cumin and chaat masala. The cooling elements of yogurt help balance out the heat from spices in most Indian dishes.

What's the difference between raita and tzatziki? ›

Raita and tzatziki share two similar base ingredients and some similar steps, but they are distinctly different. First, raita starts with dahi, a thinner salted yogurt, while tzatziki starts with thicker plain Greek yogurt. Tzatziki also has a heavy dose of lemon juice, making it decidedly more tangy than raita.

What is a substitute for Indian yogurt? ›

If you don't have access to traditional Indian or Greek yogurt, some alternatives include regular cow's milk yogurt, coconut yogurt, almond yogurt, soy yogurt, or goat's milk yogurt. Depending on the recipe, it is also possible to substitute other dairy products such as ricotta cheese or crème fraîche.

How long does raita last in the fridge without? ›

Add chilled water, a little at a time while mixing gently until you get the consistency you desire. Your raita should be thick and creamy. Chill the raita in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours before serving. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What kind of yogurt do Indian restaurants use? ›

This type is called 'Dahi,' which uses Indian cuisine. It adds a creamy and light texture to the dishes without weighing them down. Further, it is a sourcing agent and helps tenderize the meat. We make Dahi from curdled milk.

How to make Indian yogurt in USA? ›

It is simply made with just two ingredients milk and yogurt starter. The milk is boiled at 180F and later cooled or in some cultures frothed. The milk should be between 115F to 120F when you mix in the yogurt starter. After mixing the yogurt starter, cover the dahi and let it set in a warm place for 5-8 hours.

Is yogurt raita healthy? ›

Health Benefits of Raita

This dip dons many hats at a time. The yogurt in this dish is a known probiotic. It promotes the growth of good bacteria, improves gut health and in turn, helps the digestive process. Not to mention the calcium and nutrient value of the ingredients.

What is the English name for raita? ›

'yogurt cucumber'), whereas in western regions of Nepal it is known as raito. Raita is also sometimes simply called dahi, or "sourmilk", after its main ingredient, particularly in South African Indian cuisine.

Can you eat raita on its own? ›

Raita can be served as a dip or a side dish. In the latter case, it is easiest to view it as a salad. In India, people snack on raita between courses to cool the mouth, or they mix it first with rice before eating it with a curry.

What is a vegan substitute for yoghurt? ›

Coconut cream, coconut milk, or silken tofu are great choices for bringing the creaminess factor, while applesauce or banana puree do well to replace yogurt in baked goods.

Can I use coconut milk instead of yogurt in curry? ›

Depends on what taste you're trying to achieve with yogurt. If it is a sour taste you want, you can use tomatoes instead of yogurt. If you are looking to make the curry mildly spicy and creamy, you may use milk/cream instead. If you like to just make the curry mild, you may use coconut milk.

What's the difference between American and Indian yogurt? ›

In reality, while Indian yogurt isn't in an entirely different food category than off-the-shelf U.S. yogurt, it is made through a slightly different process, with the result that it is thicker and slightly more sour.

What is raita sauce made of? ›

Ingredients
  • 250g Greek yogurt.
  • 1 garlic clove.
  • thumb-sized piece ginger, finely grated.
  • ½ small pack coriander, chopped.
  • 0.25 small pack mint, leaves chopped.
  • juice 0.5 lime.
  • ½ tsp garam masala, plus a little extra to serve.
  • ¼ cucumber, grated and lightly squeezed.

Why is my raita runny? ›

If you do not use a firmer yogurt to start, you will end up with a watery Raita. Since you used regular yogurt and actually added water, perhaps you either used fewer cucumbers, did not let yours sit in the refrigerator to blend the flavors as long as I did, or perhaps you just like it watery.

What is yogurt sauce made of? ›

Preparation. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together yogurt, mint, oil, lime juice, salt and 1 to 2 tablespoons water. Use a rasp grater to finely grate garlic into the bowl. Stir, taste and adjust salt and lime juice as needed.

What is Indian yogurt made of? ›

Curd, also mosaru or dahi or Thayir or Perugu, is a traditional yogurt or fermented milk product, originating from and popular throughout the Indian subcontinent. It is usually prepared from cow's milk, and sometimes buffalo milk or goat milk.

What is raita made of? ›

Raita is a side dish in Indian cuisine made of dahi (yogurt, often referred to as curd) together with raw or cooked vegetables, fruit, or in the case of boondi raita, with fried droplets of batter made from besan (chickpea flour, generally labeled as gram flour).

What is Indian curry sauce made of? ›

What is Curry Sauce? It is a puree of sauteed and simmered masala made with onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, sometimes carrots and plenty of spices. Some times even the stalks of coriander is added. The method to make this is same everywhere but the vegetables used vary depending on the availability and season.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Wyatt Volkman LLD

Last Updated:

Views: 5872

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (66 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Wyatt Volkman LLD

Birthday: 1992-02-16

Address: Suite 851 78549 Lubowitz Well, Wardside, TX 98080-8615

Phone: +67618977178100

Job: Manufacturing Director

Hobby: Running, Mountaineering, Inline skating, Writing, Baton twirling, Computer programming, Stone skipping

Introduction: My name is Wyatt Volkman LLD, I am a handsome, rich, comfortable, lively, zealous, graceful, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.