Raita

Curries, p. 90

1 large piece of cucumber, about 10 ½ oz/300 g, rinsed

1 tsp salt

1 ¾ cups plain yogurt

½ tsp sugar

Pinch of ground cumin

2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or mint

Chili powder, to garnish

Lay a clean dish towel flat on the counter. Coarsely grate the unpeeled cucumber directly onto the dish towel. Sprinkle with half a teaspoon of the salt, then gather up the dish towel and squeeze until all the excess moisture is removed from the cucumber.

Pour the yogurt into a bowl and beat in the remaining salt, together with the sugar and cumin. 

I used almondmilk yogurt for a nice dairy-free spin on the dish.

Stir in the grated cucumber. Taste and add extra seasoning, if necessary. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

Stir in the chopped cilantro and transfer to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with chili powder and serve.

What an attractive garnish!

Served with some ready-made (but still delicious!) biryani.

My Rating: 5/5 "This stuff is GREAT. It's soothing, it's cool, and it has a calming texture. Because it's so cool it's a great counterpart to a spicier dish. Whatever you eat, it with, though, please eat it! You'll make yourself happy if you do!"