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side close up shot of cucumber tambuli served in an earthern pot.
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Cucumber Tambuli Recipe

If you’re looking for an Indian dish that feels like a cool breeze on a hot day, than try this cucumber tambuli recipe from Karnataka.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 2 adults
Calories: 216kcal
Author: Hina Gujral

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
  • ¼ Cup grated coconut
  • 1 small green chilli (optional)
  • ½ inch chopped ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
  • ¼ teaspoon black peppercorns (sabut kali mirch)
  • handful of fresh coriander leaves, chopped
  • ¼ Cup water, at room temperature
  • 1 Cup curd or Indian buttermilk

Ingredients For Tadka:

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon black mustard seeds (rai)
  • ½ teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
  • 1 sprig curry leaves
  • 2 dried red chillies

Instructions

  • In a small blender jar, add the chopped cucumber, grated/chopped coconut, ginger, green chilli, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, coriander leaves, and a splash of water. Grind this into a very smooth, fine paste.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the whisked curd or buttermilk, cucumber paste, and salt. If the mixture is too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or buttermilk; Thambuli is typically thinner than a standard raita.
  • Heat oil in a small pan. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter.
  • Add the cumin seeds, red chili, and curry leaves. Once the leaves are crisp and the aroma fills the kitchen, pour this hot tempering directly over the cucumber tambuli.
  • Mix nicely and Cucumber Tambuli is ready to serve.

Video

Notes

  • If you don't mind garlic, add a clove while making the cucumber paste. 
  • Do not add too many black peppercorns or green chilli, as the thambuli is supposed to be mildly spicy and light on stomach. 
  • If chaas or buttermilk is not available, use curd. 
  • It is served at room temperature and not hot or chilled.

Nutrition

Calories: 216kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 124mg | Potassium: 564mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 594IU | Vitamin C: 92mg | Calcium: 164mg | Iron: 2mg