Raita - Salad Vegetable

Cilantro (Dhania), Cucumber (Kheera), Peppermint (Podina), Spinach (Paalak), Tomato, Piyaz (Onions)

You may choose these items in a combination. The process is basically same regardless of the combination. The popular combinations are as follows:

Cucumber Only

Cucumber and Onion

Cilantro and Peppermint leafs

Cilantro and Onions

Peppermint leafs only

Peppermint leafs and onions

Spinach leafs only

Tomato and onions

Onions only

Ingredients

Prepare Dahi

1. Dahi Natural Yogurt: 2 Cup

2. Milk: 1 Tablespoon (Option)

3. Sugar: Pinch (Option)

Prepare Salad Vegetables

4. Salad Vegetables: 1 Cup

Spices

5. Ground Cumin: ½ teaspoon

6. Salt: ½ teaspoon or to taste
7. Degi Mirch (Paprika): ¼ teaspoon

8. Cayenne powder: ¼ teaspoon or to taste

Method

Step 1: Prepare Dahi

The Dahi Yogurt should not be sour. If the Dahi Yogurt is sour, add Milk and sugar to reduce sour taste. Beat Dahi with a fork to make a smooth paste.

Step 2: Prepare Salad Vegetables

Choose the fresh vegetables and prepare as follows.

Cucumber: Wash, Peel, Cut in half, remove seeds using a teaspoon. Grate coarse

Cilantro: Wash, Pick leafs only, discard stems. Chop.

Onion: Remove skin and slice very very thin. I use Red onions to give the color

Peppermint: Wash, Pick leafs only, discard stems. Chop fine.

Spinach: Wash, Pick leafs only, discard stems. Chop.

Tomatoes: Wash, cut in half and discard seed jell. Chop. I use fully ripe plum tomatoes.

Step 3: Spices

The key spice is the Cumin. Traditionally, Whole Cumin seeds are chosen and dry roasted in a pan till they turn dark brown emitting a nice aroma. Then these seeds are ground with a mortar and pestle. You can do that easier with a cheap coffee grinder. If you don't have time, just choose ground cumin seeds readily available.

Step 5: Mix and rest

Mix Prepared Dahi, salad vegetables and spice. Stir. Store in refrigerator.