RAITA (Yoghurt Dressing)

Most vegetarians, in India, get their protein from milk and yoghurt. Raitas are a yoghurt dressing served as a dipping sauce with snacks and also used as dressings with vegetables. It is also a must have accompaniment with Biryani.  

Here is a base recipe you can play with. Change the cucumbers to shredded cabbage or any other vegetable that has crunch. Add 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic for zest and some lemon juice for tang. The combinations are numerous and you can make a different variation for each day of the week!

• BASE RECIPE - In a bowl mix together 3 cups Greek yoghurt, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 tablespoon dried mint  Now gently stir in 1 sliced red onion and 1 sliced cucumber. For garnish, sprinkle with red chilli powder and some fresh green mint and coriander leaves.  Serve immediately.

• OPTION - Place the slices of beetroot from a 450 gram can of beetroot in the centre of a serving plate. • Then surround the beetroot with a ring of the yoghurt dressing.