Lauki ka Raita

Introduction

Lauki ka Raita, also known as Bottle Gourd Raita, originates from Awadh.

Preparing the Main Ingredients

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp raisins
• 60 g (½ cup) coarsely grated bottle gourd (lauki) or courgette
• 500 ml (2¼ cups) plain natural yoghurt
• 1 green chilli, deseeded and chopped
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp cumin seeds, roasted and ground
• ½ tsp dried mint
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse raisins in a bowl of water, then drain.
2. Cook grated bottle gourd in boiling water for about 5 minutes, or until soft.
3. Drain, pat dry with kitchen paper and grate again; squeeze lightly to remove excess water.
4. Put yoghurt in a large bowl. Add bottle gourd, raisins and the remaining ingredients; mix together.
5. Chill for 1 hour before serving.