Kumaoni Raita

Here is a simple and flavorful raita from the Uttarakhand region. This cool and refreshing side dish contains grated cucumber and ground mustard seeds which add a piquant flavor to it. However since the mustard seeds flavor is an acquired taste, add only as much as needed. Add a pinch of toasted and ground fenugreek seeds as well if preferred. The raita goes well with any stuffed parathas or any pulao kind of rice dishes. I served it along with stuffed horse gram parathas / gehat ke parathea

Ingredients:
1/2 to 1 tsp. mustard seeds
1 small sized cucumber
2 cups yogurt
Salt to taste
A pinch of turmeric powder
1 or 2 green chilis, finely minced

Directions:
* Lightly toast the mustard seeds and let cool. Grind them finely.
* Peel and grate the cucumber. Squeeze out water from the cucumber and keep aside.
* Whisk yogurt, mustard powder, salt, turmeric and green chillies in a bowl. Add cucumber to the bowl and mix well. (Taste and add mustard powder as much as preferred. The mustard powder is an acquired taste and so use as needed, more or less.)
* Serve the raita with any spicy rice or stuffed parathas.

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