Cucumber Raita

Reprinted from www.care2.com (Excerpted from Picnic, by DeeDee Stovel)

This cool Indian yogurt salad is perfect with hot spicy dishes.

Cucumbers are commonly found in raita, but other vegetables or fruits can be used. Try grated eggplant, potato, or chopped spinach. How about a banana or mango raita? Increase the spicy flavor by adding garam masala, a spicy, aromatic Indian blend of peppercorns, cardamon, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, nutmeg, turmeric, and fennel seeds. They are all available in the bulk spice department in the Wellness Center at Down to Earth.

Cucumber Raita
2 slicing cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and grated or chopped
1 cup plain nonfat yogurt
1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint leaves
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1. Press the cucumbers through a strainer to remove some of the water.

2. Combine with other ingredients and take to a picnic in a small covered dish.