Gadhwali raita

Ingredients:


1. Cucumber          2no.
2. Green chilli         2no.
3. Curd                  500gms
4. Mustard Seeds:  1/2t
5.Salt                      To taste
6  Turmeric           a pinch
7 Cumin Powder    1/2t


Method:

1. Peel and grate the cucumber.
2 Squeeze the water. (You can drink this water, its refreshing!)
3 Grind mustard seeds, salt ,turmeric, green chilies and cumin powder into a paste in a pestle and mortar adding few drops of water gradually.

4 Whisk curd to a smooth consistency.
5 Add cucumber and the above paste to the whisked curd.

6 Refrigerate for 2-3 hours for the mustard to develop full flavour and pungency.
7 Serve chilled.

The blushing raita

Beetroot Raita

INGREDIENTS

Beetroot    1no.(small)
Curd          200g
Mustard seeds   1t
Whole red chili    2no.
Ghee           1t
Salt              To taste


DIRECTIONS

1. Blend the curd with some water with the help of a whisker.
2.Puree the beetoot , mixing with a little water.
3. Mix the pureed beetroot with the whisked curd and add salt to taste.
4. Heat ghee in a long stemmed spoon and add mustard seeds and wait till you hear the crackling sound.
5 Add whole red chilli and stir till it swells up.
6 Try and bring some fire into the ghee.( be very careful so as not to burn)
7 Immediately put the above mixture into the raita and cover with the lid.
8 Serve chilled.

P.S : Whisking will help in air incorporation, which would give a very smooth creamy texture.