Make Ahead

Cucumber and AppleĀ Raita

June  9, 2010
0
0 Ratings
  • Serves 4 to 6
Author Notes

I have a great passion for Indian food and over the years, many cookbooks and restaurants later you start to get the method and ingredients down and you start to come up with "in the style of" recipes all the time. This is an ad hoc recipe thrown together one weekend with friends in northern Indiana. It goes with all kinds of things from pork loin to lamb shoulder chops and even plain on pita bread. One note green apples seem to be to tannic to go with the yogurt so I would use something a little sweeter but still sour. I think if you can find good fuji apples they are great for this. —thirschfeld

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Ingredients
  • 1 cucumber, peeled seeded and 1/4 inch dice
  • 1 apple, washed 1/4 inch dice
  • 3/4 cup whole milk yogurt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon brown mustard seeds
  • 2 teaspoons Indian mustard oil
  • 1 tablespoon cilantro, minced
  • kosher salt and fresh ground pepper
Directions
  1. In a mixing bowl combine the cucumber, apple and yogurt. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat a small saute pan over high hear. Have a lid handy. Add the mustard oil and immediately add the cumin and mustard seeds. The mustard seeds will start to pop. Cover and turn off the heat.
  3. You don't want to burn the cumin so be careful. Add to the cucumber yogurt mix and stir to blend everything. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
  4. Add the cilantro just before serving. Stir and serve
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5 Reviews

dymnyno June 13, 2010
WOW...you never disappoint with either your photos or your great recipes...when are you opening a restaurant?
thirschfeld June 13, 2010
Thanks, you know I was in the process about 4 years ago when I walked away to be
a stay at home Dad. Best thing I could have done. I still own the building and the liqour
license. Never the less I have never lost my passion for food.
whatsjohneating June 11, 2010
This sounds delightful. I love Indian food and apples definitely go great with raita. What a perfect combo!
AntoniaJames June 10, 2010
Really like the addition of apples . . . will have to try it, once we get local apples. Don't usually add the brown mustard seeds but that's a good idea, too. Besides, it's so fun to pop them. ;o)
Kelsey B. June 9, 2010
Cucumbers and apples - what a great combo!