Cucumber & Ghiya Raita

Serves:* 2

Preparation Time:* 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup low-fat curd (200 g)
• ½ cup grated cucumber
• ½ cup grated bottle gourd (ghiya/lauki), boiled and squeezed
• ¼ tsp roasted cumin powder
• A pinch of black pepper
• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh coriander
• 1 tsp finely chopped mint leaves
• Add ½ tsp sugar (for a mild sweet taste)

Method

1. Boil the grated bottle gourd for 3–4 minutes until soft. Drain, squeeze out excess water, and let it cool completely.
2. Grate the cucumber and gently squeeze out the excess water.
3. Whisk the curd until smooth.
4. Add the cucumber and cooled bottle gourd to the curd.
5. Mix in the roasted cumin powder, black pepper, coriander, and mint.
6. If you prefer a slightly sweet flavour, stir in ½ tsp sugar. Add a few drops of lemon juice if desired.
7. Chill for 10–15 minutes and serve.