Kakadichi Koshimbir / Cucumber Raita

Koshimbir in Marathi means salad and kakadi is cucumber , so kakadichi koshimbir is basically a cucumber salad. Koshimbir can be with or without the addition of yogurt. A typical Maharashtrian thali is incomplete without a koshimbir served by its side. 

  I have already shared a cucumber salad called Khamang Kakadi earlier on the blog which does not have yogurt in it. Today i am sharing a very simple yet delicious raita called kakadichi koshimbir. Just the addition of finely chopped cucumber, onion, tomatoes , green chilies and coriander to thick home made curd seasoned with sugar and salt gives a refreshing summer treat. We Marathi people cannot miss sugar in our koshimbir , you may skip if you desire. Roasted crushed peanuts also make their presence in many curries and raitas. Here i did not add peanut powder as i wanted to keep it light.

There is no other joy than to dig into a cool bowl of home made raita on a hot summer day. Kakadichi koshimbir can be served as a side dish along with waran bhat (dal rice) or hot paratha. It can also be had as it is as a healthy mid day snack . Tastes great when served chilled. If you do not add onion, this koshimbir can serve as a fasting food ( food for vrat )

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: Nil

Servings : 3-4

Ingredients: Measurements used 1 cup = 200 ml

• 1 cup thick curd (i have used home made)
• 2 medium cucumber 
• 1 small onion
• 1 medium tomato
• 2 green chilies
• Small bunch of fresh coriander leaves
• 2 teaspoon sugar
• Salt to taste

Method:

1. In a mixing bowl take thick curd preferably chilled. Whisk it to make lump free and smooth.

  2. Add sugar and salt and stir well.

  3. Rinse and peel the cucumber. Taste both the edges of both the cucumber before chopping. Discard if any cucumber is bitter or has turned sour. Finely chop the cucumber and rest veggies (onions, tomatoes , green chilies and coriander leaves)

   4. Add all the chopped veggies to the bowl of seasoned curd , give a quick stir to blend everything well.

  5. Serve immediately .

  Notes:

• Use tender cucumber with less seeds to make this koshimbir. Taste both the edges of the cucumber before chopping. Discard the cucumber if it tastes bitter or sour.
• You may add roasted crushed peanuts to the koshimbir for lovely nutty flavor.
• If onions are skipped, this koshimbir serves as a food for vrat ( fast).
• Do not add green chilies if making for to kids.
• If making this koshimbir ahead of time, add sugar and salt to it just before serving as the veggies will leave water on addition of sugar and salt making it watery and messy.

For more raita recipes, do check my posts on

• Doodhichi Koshimbir / Bottle gourd raita
• Strawberry Raita
• Pomegranate Raita
• Boondi Raita