Indian Mint Yogurt Sauce is a bright, creamy, and herbaceous condiment that’s a staple in Indian cuisine. Made with fresh mint, cilantro, yogurt, and spices, this refreshing sauce pairs perfectly with grilled meats, wraps, rice bowls, or as a flavorful dip for snacks and roasted vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Bursting with fresh flavor – Mint and cilantro add a zesty, aromatic punch that enhances any dish.
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Quick and easy – Comes together in just 10 minutes with minimal ingredients and effort.
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Versatile – Works as a dip, dressing, or spread for a variety of meals.
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Naturally healthy – Packed with herbs, yogurt, and spices, this sauce is both nutritious and light.
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Make-ahead friendly – The flavor gets even better after chilling.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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½ cup fresh mint leaves, packed
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½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed
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1 cup plain Greek yogurt or regular plain yogurt
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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½ teaspoon cumin powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
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1 clove garlic
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1 small green chili or ½ jalapeño (adjust to taste)
Directions
1. Blend the Ingredients
In a blender or food processor, combine the mint, cilantro, ginger, garlic, lemon juice, green chili (or jalapeño), yogurt, salt, and cumin powder.
2. Blend Until Smooth
Blend everything until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or lemon juice to thin it out to your desired consistency.
3. Chill and Serve
Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
Servings and timing
Yield: About 1 cup
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes (blend and chill)
Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
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Spicier version – Use a full jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne.
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Sweeter twist – Add a teaspoon of honey or sugar for balance if serving with spicy dishes.
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Thinner consistency – Add a bit of cold water or lemon juice to turn it into a drizzle-worthy dressing.
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Dairy-free – Substitute with coconut yogurt or a dairy-free alternative for a vegan version.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The color may darken slightly over time but the flavor will remain.
Reheating: Not needed. Always serve chilled or at room temperature. Stir before serving if the ingredients begin to separate.
FAQs
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, and it’s even better when made ahead! Chill for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.
Can I freeze this sauce?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the yogurt may become grainy after thawing.
Can I use dried herbs?
Fresh mint and cilantro are essential for the vibrant flavor and color. Dried herbs won’t yield the same result.
Is this sauce spicy?
It has a mild kick from the green chili, but you can easily adjust the heat level to your preference.
What type of yogurt should I use?
Plain Greek yogurt gives a thick, creamy texture, while regular plain yogurt results in a looser consistency. Both work well.
Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?
Yes, a blender works perfectly. Just stop and scrape down the sides as needed for a smooth texture.
What dishes pair well with this sauce?
It’s excellent with grilled meats, samosas, roasted vegetables, rice bowls, naan sandwiches, or as a salad dressing.
How can I make it vegan?
Use plant-based yogurt like coconut or almond yogurt as a substitute.
How long does it stay green?
It will stay vibrant for 1–2 days in the fridge. Adding a touch of lemon juice helps preserve the color.
Can I add other spices?
Absolutely. Try adding chaat masala, black salt, or a pinch of garam masala for an Indian-style flavor boost.
Conclusion
Indian Mint Yogurt Sauce is a fresh, flavorful, and incredibly versatile condiment that elevates any dish it’s paired with. From grilled meats to veggie wraps and rice bowls, this sauce brings brightness and balance with every bite. Quick to make and easy to store, it’s a must-have in your condiment rotation.
Print
Indian Mint Yogurt Sauce
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indian Mint Yogurt Sauce is a creamy, refreshing condiment made with fresh mint, cilantro, and yogurt. It’s perfect as a dip or accompaniment for grilled meats, wraps, rice bowls, roasted vegetables, or snacks.
Ingredients
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves, packed
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or regular plain yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 small green chili or ½ jalapeño
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, combine mint, cilantro, ginger, garlic, lemon juice, green chili or jalapeño, yogurt, salt, and cumin powder.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or additional lemon juice to adjust consistency.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Transfer to an airtight container and store refrigerated until ready to serve.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by using more or less chili according to your taste.
- Can be made a day in advance — the flavor improves with time.
- This sauce pairs well with Indian dishes, grilled kebabs, naan, samosas, or veggie trays.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 167
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 1398mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 10mg