Cucumber-Apple Raita

Cucumber-Apple Raita Recipe | Vegetarian Food from India

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Cucumber-Apple Raita is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the crispness of cucumber and apple with a creamy tahini dressing. This dish is perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish to accompany your favorite main course.

History

Raita is a traditional Indian condiment that is typically made with yogurt and various fruits or vegetables. This version of raita with cucumber and apple adds a unique twist to the classic recipe, providing a refreshing and crunchy texture.

Ingredients

2 cups of cored and diced apple
1 cup of diagonally sliced celery (0.5 inch pieces)
0.5 cup of diced red onion
0.5 cup of walnut halves (2 oz or 57 g)
1 tbsp of minced fresh dill
1 tbsp of minced fresh cilantro
1 tbsp of minced fresh mint
1 cup of creamy lemon tahini Dressing
2 cups of peeled, halved, seeded and sliced cucumber (0.5 inch pieces)
0.33 cup of dry arame (0.5 oz or 14 g)

How to prepare

In a shallow bowl, combine arame and 1.5 cups of warm water.
Let it soak for 15 minutes.
Drain and quickly rinse under cold running water.
Set it aside.
In a large bowl, combine cucumber, apple, celery, onion, walnuts, dill, cilantro, and mint.
Season with a pinch of salt.
Add the dressing and toss to coat.
Add the arame and toss again (if you are not serving raita right away, leave out the arame and add it when ready to serve, as it will turn the dressing a slightly dark color).

Variations

Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch.
Substitute the walnuts with almonds or pecans for a different flavor profile.
Use Greek yogurt instead of tahini for a creamier texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to dice the apple and cucumber into uniform pieces to ensure even distribution of flavors.

- Soaking the arame in warm water helps to soften it and remove any excess salt.

- Toss the ingredients gently to avoid crushing the delicate fruits and vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Cucumber-Apple Raita as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it on its own as a light and refreshing snack.

Cooking Techniques

Soaking the arame in warm water helps to rehydrate it and remove any excess salt.

- Tossing the ingredients gently ensures that the fruits and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any variety of apple that you prefer, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.

- Substitute the arame with any type of seaweed, such as nori or dulse.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the Cucumber-Apple Raita up to a day in advance, but wait to add the arame until just before serving to prevent the dressing from discoloring.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Cucumber-Apple Raita with a sprig of fresh mint or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing cucumber mint cooler for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories per serving: 280

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 23g

Fats

Total Fat: 18g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Proteins

Protein: 6g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 15mg

Calcium: 80mg

Iron: 2mg

Alergens

Contains nuts (walnuts) and sesame (tahini).

Summary

This Cucumber-Apple Raita is a nutritious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, healthy fats, and proteins. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Summary

Cucumber-Apple Raita is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish. With its refreshing flavors and crunchy texture, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Sarah in her cozy cottage by the sea. Sarah was an adventurous cook, always experimenting with new flavors and ingredients. That day, she surprised me with a refreshing dish she called Cucumber-Apple Raita.

As soon as I took the first bite, I was hooked. The creamy yogurt combined with the crisp cucumbers and sweet apples created a harmonious symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds. I begged Sarah to share the recipe with me, and she obliged with a mischievous smile.

"Ah, this recipe is a family secret," she teased. "But I suppose I can make an exception for you, my dear friend."

And so, she guided me through the steps of making the Cucumber-Apple Raita. She explained how the tanginess of the yogurt balanced the sweetness of the apples, while the cucumbers added a refreshing crunch. As I watched her expert hands chop, mix, and season, I knew I had to learn this recipe for myself.

After that day, I made the Cucumber-Apple Raita countless times, each batch better than the last. I shared it with friends and family, who all marveled at the unique combination of flavors. And as I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, I began to experiment with different variations of the recipe, adding herbs, spices, and even nuts to elevate the dish to new heights.

One day, while visiting my aunt in the countryside, I stumbled upon a quaint farmers market where I met an elderly woman selling fresh produce. We struck up a conversation, and she mentioned that she had a special recipe for Cucumber-Apple Raita that had been passed down through generations in her family.

Intrigued, I asked her to share the recipe with me, and she smiled warmly, saying, "I believe this recipe belongs with you, my dear. May it bring you joy and nourishment, as it has for my family for years."

And so, she whispered the ingredients and instructions into my ear, and I felt a sudden surge of gratitude for the serendipitous encounter. I couldn't wait to try out this new version of the beloved dish and see how it compared to the one I had learned from Sarah.

As I continued to collect recipes from various places and people, my repertoire of culinary skills expanded, and I became known in my community as the "recipe whisperer." Friends would come to me with their cooking dilemmas, seeking advice and guidance on how to recreate their favorite dishes.

I cherished these moments of sharing and learning, knowing that each recipe held a story, a memory, a connection to someone or something special. And as I grew older, I realized that my passion for cooking was not just about creating delicious meals, but about preserving traditions, honoring the past, and embracing the present.

Today, as I stand in my kitchen, surrounded by the aromas of spices, herbs, and fresh produce, I am reminded of all the wonderful people and places that have inspired me on my culinary journey. And as I prepare a batch of Cucumber-Apple Raita, I can't help but smile, knowing that this simple dish holds the essence of my love for cooking and the joy of sharing it with others.

So, dear reader, if you ever find yourself craving a refreshing and flavorful dish that will delight your senses, I encourage you to try making Cucumber-Apple Raita. And as you chop, mix, and season, remember that every recipe has a story to tell, and every bite is a taste of history, tradition, and love. Enjoy!