Boondi Raita

A raita is a simple preparation made by adding fruits, veggies or any other eatable to beaten curds. Most Indian families enjoy curds either plain or in the form of delicious raitas as an accompaniment with lunch or dinner. Raitas are unique because they having a cooling effect and are healthy food at the same time. Indians cherish a large variety of raitas which they prepare as a side dish for any special delicacy.

Ingredients:

2 Cups Curd (Yogurt)100 gms
Gram flour(Besan) 1/2 tspn
Roasted Cumin(jeera) powder
Salt to taste
Red chilli powder to taste
Garam masala - a pinch or two
Cilantro/coriander leaves very finely chopped
Oil - 2 tspn

Cooking time : 10 mins

Add water to gram flour and mix well to a spreading consistency. Then add salt and beat till it becomes light. Heat oil & pass the paste through a draining spoon. Fry till the gram flour paste turns golden and crispy boondi or dots. Stir the curd with a mixer and add water according to the consistency required. Now, add the fresh boondi to the beaten curd and mix gently.

Remember that the consistency can be changed even by adding some milk if you do not like to add water. Now, add salt, cumin powder and chili powder, mix well. Sprinkle some garam masala and garnish with chopped coriander/cilantro. Keep in refrigerator for an hour or so and serve boondi raita chilled.

Goes well with fried rice, biryani, tandoori chicken and anything Moghlai. Infact, you can just eat raita as lunch or a snack.