Expert: Marc Gray Date: 9/1/2007 Subject: looking for a raita recipe
Question I have found lots of raita recipes, but all have mint. I've eaten a raita at an Indian restaurant, and I love it, but I'm sure it doesn't have mint. It has cucumbers, onions, and I think maybe tomato. Can you help me?
Answer Personally, I never use mint, in spite of its popularity. I use chopped fresh coriander (cilantro) greens (no stems, leaves only)
To prepare raita my way I whip 2 cups of full fat unflavored (drained if need be) yogurt with 1 cup of shredded peeled (seeded) cucumber and a big pinch of salt. I add a few tablespoons of finely chopped green onions (completely optional) and at least 1/4 cup of tightly packed fresh (finely chopped) coriander leaves and stir. I serve it in a bowl surrounded by tiny fresh tomatoes (in the USA sold as "grape or cherry tomatoes")
I love my version as it serves so well to modify the heat of spicy dishes.
I also serve a nice tamarind chutney alongside which serves to add a special tartness to the main dishes. I also place upon the table a small dish of hot garlic chutney. These three dishes let my guests season their foods to their own taste.
My vegetarian friends simply adore my raita, as it makes the most commonplace meals delicious.
If tightly covered and refrigerated it should remain fresh for several days.
