Lunch Pail: Some (Don't) Like It Hot

Krissi is back with another tasty dish that is perfect as a side or garnish for Indian/Mediterranean dishes or which can be used as a refreshing and low fat salad dressing.

I love the flavors of Indian food, but sometimes the heat is just a little too much for me.  When that's the case, I either add a bit of plain yogurt or some raita (yogurt sauce) to my dish.  This recipe is slightly altered from the one I started with.

Raita

• 2 C plain yogurt
• 1 C seeded and chopped English hothouse cucumber
• 3-4 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (for those who do not like cilantro, it can be left out or replaced with a bit of fresh mint)
• 1 Tbsp ginger/garlic paste
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• pinch of salt to taste
• juice from 1/2 fresh lime (optional)

You can play with the ingredients to achieve the taste you like.

Mix together, cover, refrigerate for about an hour (let the flavors come together), consume!

This is particularly tasty over curries, but I also love eating this with chicken grilled with my dry garam masala spice rub and some naan.  Yes, the recipe for the rub is forthcoming!

Krissi Sandvik is the artist and owner of Krissi's Art Studio, home of Skelekitty and Friends in Folsom (yes, like the prison) California, where she resides with her husband, cats, tortoise and Jack Russell Terrier, Abby. Krissi, claims to have been raised by a pack of wild attorneys, was unofficially named "best tutorialer on the web" by her friend Rachelle Rose . She likes to cook, hang out with friends and drive fast.