Cucumber Raita

I really enjoy cooking food inspired by Indian spices and flavors and have posted quite a few on Ricka Cooks.  Cucumber raita is a popular side dish for all types of Indian style chicken, fish, meat and vegetable dishes. It is refreshing and cools your mouth if a dish is especially fiery. Raita is easy to make and always welcome on the table.

1 cucumber

16 ounces plain whole milk or low-fat yogurt

1/2 tsp. ground cumin seed

salt and pepper to taste

1/8 tsp. paprika

Peel and grate the cucumber.  Drain well.

Put the yogurt in a bowl and beat it well with a fork until it is smooth.

Add the cucumber, cumin seed, salt and pepper to the yogurt. Garnish with the paprika.

Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serves 4-6 as a side dish.

Notes: Tomatoes (chopped and drained) and chopped dill are wonderful additions to raita.