Recipe - Easy To Make Healthy Pumpkin Raita

Growing up in India i only knew two varieties of pumpkin, the white pumpkin and the orange pumpkin. Raitas are Indian style mildly spiced yogurt based dips made by adding fruits and vegetables in chilled beaten yogurt ,you just need few spices to enhance the taste.Raita can be served as a side dish with meals along with Parathas and Biryani’s or can have a bowl of thick raita when ever your hanger pangs hits you.

Normally, i would use plain yogurt but if you like raitas to be little thick and creamy, use plain Greek Yogurt. If you want it thinner, mix in a little cold water till you achieve the desired consistency.

Ingredients

1 cup yellow pumpkin , grated (tightly packed)
1.5 cups curd or yogurt
1/4 teaspoon roasted cumin (jeera) powder
1/4 teaspoon red chilli powder
1/4 teaspoon chaat masala powder
1 green chilli , finely chopped
1 tablespoon coriander or cilantro
salt to taste

Method

* Place the grated pumpkin along with 1/4 cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 2-3 minutes until the pumpkin is completely tender.OR Cook grated pumpkin in an open pan with boiling water for 4-5 minutes.

* Strain the pumpkin and let it cool.

* Whisk the yogurt or curd in a large mixing bowl.

* Add cooked pumpkin, roasted jeera powder ,red chili powder, chat masala powder, green chilli, coriander and salt.

* Taste at this stage to make sure the amount of salt and spices is enough.

* Serve chilled.