🔴Kaju and Mini namkeen pahadi kheere ka raita recipe by Meal Palace holi special snacks recipe

🔴Kaju and Mini namkeen pahadi kheere ka raita recipe by Meal Palace holi special snacks recipe is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 210 calories per serving. Recipe by Meal Palace on YouTube.

Prep: 45 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 1 hr 20 min

Cost: $12.91 total, $3.23 per serving

Ingredients

  • 500 g Cucumber (peeled and grated)
  • 500 g Plain Yogurt (full‑fat, well‑beaten)
  • 1 tsp Salt (to taste)
  • 0.5 tsp Ajwain (optional, adds subtle flavor)
  • 1 pinch Hing (optional, use sparingly)
  • 1 tsp Mustard Seeds (Raai) (roasted and ground fine)
  • 0.25 tsp Turmeric Powder (for color)
  • 1 small Green Chili (finely chopped, optional)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Coriander Leaves (chopped, for garnish)
  • 1 cup All‑Purpose Flour (Maida) (sifted)
  • 1 tsp Salt (regular table salt for dough)
  • 0.5 tsp Ajwain (optional in dough)
  • 1 pinch Hing (optional in dough)
  • 3 tbsp Ghee (melted; use oil if preferred)
  • 3 tbsp Water (lukewarm, for kneading)
  • 0.5 cup Cashew Nuts (raw, unsalted, roughly chopped)

Instructions

  1. Roast and Grind Mustard Seeds

    Heat a small pan on low flame, add 1 tsp mustard seeds and roast until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Transfer to a mortar and grind to a fine powder.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Prepare Cucumber

    Wash, peel and grate the cucumber. Place the grated cucumber in a clean cloth and squeeze out excess water.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Mix Yogurt Base

    In a bowl, whisk the 500 g yogurt until smooth. Add salt, turmeric, green chili, ajwain, hing, and the freshly ground mustard powder. Mix well.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Combine Cucumber and Yogurt

    Add the squeezed cucumber to the yogurt mixture, stir gently, and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Make Namkeen Dough

    In a separate mixing bowl combine sifted flour, 1 tsp salt, ajwain, and hing. Add melted ghee (or oil) and rub into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add lukewarm water, kneading until a stiff, non‑sticky dough forms.

    Time: PT10M

  6. Rest the Dough

    Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Roll and Cut Mini Namkeen

    On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 2 mm thickness. Using a sharp knife, cut into small squares or diamond shapes (~2 cm). For the cashew version, sprinkle chopped cashews on a portion of the rolled sheet and gently press them in before cutting.

    Time: PT12M

  8. Heat Oil for Frying

    Pour enough oil/ghee in the deep pan to submerge the pieces. Heat to 350°F (175°C). Test with a single piece; it should sizzle and rise to the surface quickly.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  9. Fry the Namkeen

    Fry the mini pieces in small batches. Stir gently and fry until golden and crisp (2‑3 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 350°F

  10. Cool and Store

    Allow the fried namkeen to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight jar. The raita can be refrigerated immediately.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
210
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
25 g
Fat
10 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten, Contains nuts

Allergens: Dairy, Nuts, Gluten

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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🔴Kaju and Mini namkeen pahadi kheere ka raita recipe by Meal Palace holi special snacks recipe

Recipe by Meal Palace

Celebrate Holi with authentic North Indian pahadi cucumber raita and two types of crunchy namkeen – a simple mini‑namkeen and a richer cashew‑filled version. Made with fresh cucumber, homemade yogurt, and a lightly fried flour dough, these snacks are perfect for festive gatherings and can be prepared ahead of time.

MediumIndianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
50m
Prep
20m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 20m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.91
Total cost
$3.23
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Roasting and grinding mustard seeds for authentic flavor
  • Kneading dough to the right stiffness for crispness
  • Frying namkeen at the correct temperature (350°F) to avoid sogginess
  • Squeezing excess water from grated cucumber to prevent watery raita

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns – handle with care and keep children away.
  • Do not leave the frying oil unattended; it can overheat quickly.
  • Use a splatter guard or lid partially to avoid oil splashes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Pahadi Cucumber Raita in North Indian cuisine?

A

Pahadi cucumber raita originates from the Himalayan regions of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, where cool mountain air and dairy‑rich diets make yogurt‑based dishes essential. The raita balances spicy festive foods and is traditionally served during celebrations like Holi to cool the palate.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of namkeen in Uttarakhand during Holi?

A

In Uttarakhand, namkeen ranges from simple fried flour crisps (mini namkeen) to richer versions with added nuts like cashews or almonds. Some families also incorporate local spices such as asafoetida, ajwain, and roasted mustard for a distinctive mountain flavor.

cultural
Q

How is authentic Pahadi Cucumber Raita traditionally served in Uttarakhand households?

A

It is served chilled in a wide bowl, often garnished with fresh coriander and a drizzle of ghee. It accompanies festive meals, especially during Holi, and is paired with fried snacks like namkeen, rotis, or poha.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Pahadi Cucumber Raita traditionally associated with in Indian culture?

A

The raita is a staple during Holi, Diwali, and other regional festivals in the North Indian hills. Its cooling effect is prized during the hot summer celebrations when spicy fried foods are abundant.

cultural
Q

What makes Pahadi Cucumber Raita special or unique in Indian cuisine?

A

The use of freshly roasted and ground mustard seeds (raai) gives the raita a pungent, earthy aroma that is rarely found in plain cucumber raitas. Combined with ajwain and hing, it reflects the rustic flavors of mountain cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Pahadi Cucumber Raita versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include fresh cucumber, full‑fat homemade yogurt, roasted mustard seeds, ajwain, and hing. Substitutes can be Greek yogurt for a thicker base, zucchini for cucumber, and cumin seeds instead of mustard if unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other North Indian dishes pair well with Pahadi Cucumber Raita and Namkeen?

A

It pairs beautifully with poha, aloo ke guthke (spiced potato dumplings), gujiya, and various flatbreads like roti or paratha. The raita also complements spicy curries such as chole or paneer tikka.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Mini and Cashew Namkeen?

A

Common errors include using too much water in the dough (causing soggy namkeen), frying at a low temperature (resulting in oil‑soaked pieces), and not grinding mustard seeds finely enough, which can leave a gritty texture.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use mustard seeds (raai) instead of cumin for the raita flavor?

A

Mustard seeds provide a sharp, pungent note that is characteristic of mountain cuisine, whereas cumin offers a sweeter, earthier flavor. The raai is essential for the authentic pahadi taste profile.

technical
Q

Can I make the Pahadi Cucumber Raita ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the raita can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before serving to recombine any settled liquid.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Meal Palace specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Meal Palace, hosted by Kusum, specializes in Indian home‑cooking tutorials, focusing on festive recipes, traditional regional dishes, and practical tips for busy households.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Meal Palace's approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Meal Palace emphasizes quick, week‑ahead preparation for festivals like Holi, uses accessible ingredients, and often demonstrates traditional techniques such as grinding spices on a silbatta, which many modern channels skip.

channel

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