Goan Tause Tomat Raita Goan Style Cucumber and Tomato Yogurt Dip/Condiment

Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

2 Cups Plain Yogurt (Dahi / Dai) 3 Roma Tomatoes (Tamatar / Tomat) - diced 1 Fresh Green Chile (Hari Mirch / Tanrni Mirsang) - seeded and diced 1 Large Cucumber (Kheera / Tause)* - peeled and roughly grated 3 Tbs Red Onion (Pyaz / Piyavu) - small diced ½ tsp Cumin Seeds (Jeera / Jeren) - roasted and ground ½ tsp Black Peppercorns (Kali Mirch / Mirsang) - roasted and ground Kosher Salt (Namak / Meet) to taste Pinch of Granulated Sugar (Chini / Sakkar) -OPTIONAL- 2 Tbs Fresh Coriander Leaves (Dhania Patta / Voli Kothambi) - rough chopped

Preparation: 1) Peel and grate your cucumber and place in a fine mesh sieve - Set aside to drain away some liquid until needed 2) Place small dry skillet over medium-low heat - Add cumin seeds and peppercorns and toast for until fragrant (apx 2 minutes) 3) Remove from heat and allow to cool for a minimum 10 minutes 4) Transfer toasted ingredients to a clean coffee grinder, spice mill, or mortar and pestle and grind into a fine powder 5) In a medium, nonreactive bowl, add the yogurt and whisk until smooth 6) Add the grated cucumber, diced tomato, diced chiles, granulated sugar, and roasted/ground spices and fold until thoroughly combined 7) Adjust seasoning with salt to taste 8) Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving (overnight for best results) to allow flavors to meld 9) Serve as a cold soup, a starter salad, with bread or crackers as a snack, or alongside spicy dishes as part of any Goan/Konkani or Indian meal to 'cut the heat'

* Can substitute 1 large English cucumber (Kakri) - no need to peel

Taz Doolittle www.TazCooks.com