A curry meal almost begs for the contrast of a cool refreshing dish. This raita serves that need nicely. Indian raitas are made of various main ingredients, bananas among them, but cucumber is by far the most frequently used.
Yield:
Serves 4 to 6.Ingredients
2 large cucumbers, peeled or unpeeled
1 pint plain yogurt
Scant teaspoon ground cumin
Scant teaspoon ground coriander
Scant teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cumin seed
1/2 teaspoon salt
Scant teaspoon red pepper (used primarily for color; substitute thinly sliced fresh hot red peppers or finely chopped tomato if desired)
Fresh coriander (cilantro), for garnish
Instructions
Early in the day, grate cucumbers and stir in yogurt, ground cumin, ground coriander, black pepper, cumin seed, salt, and red pepper. Mix well; let marinate in refrigerator for several hours. Garnish with chopped fresh coriander before serving.
