Cucumber Raita ( Cucumber Yogurt Dip)

May 15th 2010

With the summer quickly setting in, we are all looking for ways to chill, not just with what we do, but also with what we eat. Additionally it is great to balance out hard or laborious dishes with a few easy but tasty ones on the side so you can enjoy that sun while it lasts. Here is a recipe for a quick Raita that is a great accompaniment to any rice/pulav/biriyani or even parathas. 

Difficulty level : Easy 

Time:  10 min

Ingredients

• 1 cucumber (cut into tiny pieces)
• 2 cups thick yogurt
• 1 tsp or more jeera powder (cumin powder)
• salt to taste
• chopped cilantro (for garnish)

Method de Preparation

1. Peel and chop cucumber into small pieces.
2. Sprinkle a little bit of salt and set aside. The water in it will be excreted. You can either drain this out if your yogurt is not very thick or use it if your yogurt is really thick.
3. Beat the yogurt well with a spoon and then mix it with the cucumber.
4. Add the cumin powder and salt to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve.

Confessions:   I forgot the cilantro, and it still tasted good. It happens :D 

Chef's Tip: If you have the time or you are going to make a lot of this, dry roast jeera (cumin) on the tava and then powder it and use it for a fresh taste.