Cucumber Green 500 g

Indian Cucumber: Overview

Indian cucumber, often referred to as Kakdi or Dosakaya (depending on the region), is a variety of cucumber that is slightly shorter, more rounded, and often has a yellowish or pale green skin. It has a crisp texture with a mildly sweet or neutral flavor. Indian cucumbers are widely used in traditional dishes, salads, and cooling raitas.

Health Benefits of Indian Cucumber

1. Hydration: Like all cucumbers, Indian cucumbers are over 95% water, making them excellent for hydration, especially in hot climates.
2. Weight management: Low in calories, they make a great snack for those looking to lose or maintain weight.
3. Aids in digestion: Rich in fiber, Indian cucumbers help promote healthy digestion and prevent constipation.
4. Rich in antioxidants: Cucumbers contain antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and prevent cell damage.
5. Supports heart health: The potassium and magnesium in cucumbers help regulate blood pressure and support overall heart health.
6. Skin benefits: With antioxidants and high water content, cucumbers hydrate the skin, reduce puffiness, and soothe skin irritations.
7. Detoxification: Cucumber is a natural detoxifier, flushing toxins from the body and promoting kidney function.
8. Blood sugar regulation: Indian cucumbers help in lowering blood sugar levels, making them suitable for people with diabetes.

Nutritional Value of Indian Cucumber (per 100g approx.)

• Calories: 12 kcal
• Protein: 0.6 g
• Carbohydrates: 2.2 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.6 g
• Sugars: 1.4 g
• Fats: 0.1 g
• Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin K and C
• Minerals: Contains potassium, magnesium, and manganese

How to Eat Indian Cucumber

Indian cucumber can be eaten raw in salads, sliced into snacks, or incorporated into various Indian recipes like raitas and chutneys. It can also be pickled or added to curries and stews for texture. The peel can be eaten, but it is often removed for a smoother texture.

5 Indian Recipes Using Indian Cucumber

1. Kakdi Raita (Cucumber Yogurt Dip)

Ingredients:

• 1 Indian cucumber (grated)
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1/2 tsp roasted cumin powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 green chili (chopped)
• Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)

Instructions:

1. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess water.
2. In a bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth.
3. Add grated cucumber, cumin powder, green chili, and salt. Mix well.
4. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
5. Serve chilled with biryani, pulao, or as a side dish.

2. Kakdi Koshimbir (Maharashtrian Cucumber Salad)

Ingredients:

• 1 Indian cucumber (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp roasted peanuts (crushed)
• 1 green chili (chopped)
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh coconut (grated)
• Lemon juice (to taste)
• Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)

Instructions:

1. Combine chopped cucumber, crushed peanuts, green chili, and grated coconut in a bowl.
2. Add salt and lemon juice, mixing well.
3. Garnish with chopped coriander.
4. Serve as a fresh and light side dish.

3. Dosakaya Pappu (Cucumber Lentil Curry)

Ingredients:

• 1 Indian cucumber (diced)
• 1 cup toor dal (pigeon pea lentils)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1 tomato (chopped)
• 1 green chili (slit)
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• Curry leaves
• 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the toor dal in a pressure cooker with turmeric and water until soft.
2. In another pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves.
3. Add chopped onions, green chili, and tomatoes, and sauté until soft.
4. Add diced cucumber and sauté for 5 minutes.
5. Add cooked dal and salt, and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Serve hot with rice or chapati.

4. Cucumber Thalipeeth (Savory Cucumber Pancake)

Ingredients:

• 1 Indian cucumber (grated)
• 1 cup multigrain flour or jowar flour
• 1 green chili (chopped)
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander (chopped)
• Oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix grated cucumber, multigrain flour, green chili, cumin seeds, salt, and coriander leaves.
2. Add a little water to form a thick batter.
3. Heat a tawa (griddle) and spread a portion of the batter into a thin pancake.
4. Drizzle oil around the edges and cook until golden and crispy.
5. Serve hot with yogurt or chutney.

5. Kakdi Chutney (Cucumber Chutney)

Ingredients:

• 1 Indian cucumber (chopped)
• 1/2 cup fresh coconut (grated)
• 1 green chili
• 1 tbsp roasted peanuts
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• Curry leaves
• 1 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Grind cucumber, coconut, green chili, and peanuts into a smooth paste.
2. Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds and curry leaves. Let them splutter.
3. Add the cucumber mixture to the tempering and mix well.
4. Serve as a side with rice or dosa.

5 Non-Indian Recipes Using Indian Cucumber

1. Cucumber and Greek Yogurt Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 Indian cucumber (sliced thinly)
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh dill (chopped)

Instructions:

1. Combine Greek yogurt, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice in a bowl.
2. Add thinly sliced cucumber, salt, pepper, and fresh dill. Toss well.
3. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
4. Serve as a refreshing side salad.

2. Cucumber Gazpacho

Ingredients:

• 2 Indian cucumbers (peeled and chopped)
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 1/2 cup cold water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Blend cucumber, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and cold water until smooth.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Chill for an hour before serving.
4. Serve cold with a garnish of cucumber slices.

3. Cucumber Avocado Salsa

Ingredients:

• 1 Indian cucumber (diced)
• 1 avocado (diced)
• 1 tomato (diced)
• 1/4 red onion (chopped)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine cucumber, avocado, tomato, and red onion in a bowl.
2. Drizzle with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
3. Toss well and serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled chicken.

4. Cucumber Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 Indian cucumber (peeled and chopped)
• 1 green apple (chopped)
• 1/2 cup spinach
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/2 cup water or coconut water

Instructions:

1. Blend cucumber, green apple, spinach, honey, and water until smooth.
2. Serve chilled as a refreshing, hydrating smoothie.

5. Cucumber and Mint Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 1 Indian cucumber (sliced)
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional)
• 2 cups cold water

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine cucumber slices, mint leaves, lemon juice, and honey.
2. Strain the mixture into a pitcher.
3. Add cold water and stir well.
4. Serve chilled with ice cubes for a refreshing summer drink.

Indian cucumbers, with their mild flavor and high water content, offer a range of benefits and can be used in a variety of both traditional and global dishes. From cooling raitas to refreshing salads, they are a versatile ingredient for healthy meals.