Indian Style Cucumber Salad Recipe | How to Make Indian Style Cucumber Salad

Indian Style Cucumber Salad (also known as Kachumber Salad) is a simple, refreshing, and flavorful salad commonly served as a side dish in Indian meals. It’s made with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and a few basic Indian spices to add a tangy, spicy, and savory punch. This salad is light, healthy, and perfect for balancing out rich or spicy dishes.

1. Ingredients needed and instructions on how to prepare the salad.
This salad is a light and refreshing summer dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. To make the salad, you will need 1 cucumber, ½ cup of plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons of freshly-chopped cilantro, 1 teaspoon of freshly-chopped mint, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of ground coriander, ½ teaspoon of garam masala, ½ teaspoon of freshly-chopped ginger root, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of honey, and a pinch of salt. To prepare the salad, begin by peeling and chopping the cucumber into small cubes, then place them in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together the yogurt, cilantro, mint, cumin, coriander, garam masala, ginger root, lemon juice, honey, and salt until it forms a creamy dressing. Pour the dressing over the cucumber cubes and stir until everything is evenly coated. Place the salad in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

2. A brief description of the different spices used.
This Indian-style cucumber salad is full of flavor thanks to a combination of spices. Ground cumin adds a smoky and earthy flavor, while ground coriander adds a slight sweetness. Garam masala is a blend of spices that includes cumin, coriander, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and it adds a warm and complex flavor. Ginger root adds a spicy and sweet flavor, and cilantro and mint provide a fresh and herbal flavor.

3. Tips and tricks on how to make the salad healthier.
There are several ways to make this salad even healthier. To reduce the fat content, use low-fat yogurt instead of regular yogurt. You can also reduce the sugar content by using less honey or substituting with a sugar-free sweetener. To add more nutritional value, consider adding diced red onion, diced red bell pepper, sliced almonds, or shredded coconut.

4. Suggestions on how to serve the salad.
This salad is perfect as a side dish for a variety of meals. It pairs well with grilled fish, roasted chicken, or a vegetarian curry. For a light meal, serve the salad with a bowl of warm naan bread and a dollop of raita. You can also serve it as a part of a larger Indian-themed meal with other dishes such as samosas, pakoras, and chutneys.

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Indian Style Cucumber Salad Recipe | What is the Recipe of Indian Style Cucumber Salad

Cuisine Indian

Author Rashmi Sharma

Ingredients

• cucumber Peel the and remove the seeds with a teaspoon, then cut into slices
• onion
• tomatoes
• coriander
• red and green chillies
• lime juice
• vegetable oil
• peanuts chopped

Instructions

1. Put the cucumber slices into a bowl. Add Sprinkle in the ground spices, and season well. Toss together. Serve with poppadoms.

Variations:

• Add Yogurt: For a creamy version, you can mix in some plain yogurt or Greek yogurt to the salad.
• Add Fruit: You can add some pomegranate seeds, apple, or carrot for added sweetness and texture.
• Add Boiled Potatoes: To make the salad more filling, you can include some boiled, chopped potatoes.
• Spicy Version: If you like extra heat, you can add chili powder or use green chili paste.

Health Benefits:

• Cucumbers: Low in calories and high in water content, cucumbers are hydrating, good for digestion, and promote healthy skin.
• Tomatoes: Rich in vitamins A and C, tomatoes provide antioxidants and help improve heart health.
• Cilantro: Loaded with antioxidants, cilantro aids digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Mint: Known for its cooling properties, mint helps soothe the stomach and adds a refreshing flavor to the salad.

Tips:

• Chill Before Serving: If you want a cool, refreshing salad, refrigerate it for about 15-30 minutes before serving.
• Avoid Watery Salad: If you want to prevent the salad from becoming too watery, you can sprinkle a little salt on the cucumbers and let them sit for about 10 minutes to release excess water. Then, drain the water before mixing the salad.
• Taste and Adjust: Indian salads often require adjustment of spices and seasonings based on personal taste, so feel free to tweak the amounts of salt, lemon juice, and spices as you prefer.

This Indian Style Cucumber Salad is perfect to serve with any rich Indian curry, biryani, or grilled dishes. It’s light, fresh, and packed with vibrant flavors, making it a great way to add balance and freshness to your meal!