For the dinner at our place last night for some family friends, one of the things I made is the raita that is our family favorite.
The magic ingredient that goes in to it is peanuts, which along with yoghurt would probably top the family’s “my best things to eat” list.
Peanuts’ “koot” – (peanuts ground into even-sized little bits rather than a powdery texture) is a store cupboard staple in my kitchen, since it is everyone’s favorite snack. It is one of those things – along with orange juice,ketchup, yoghurt, and a particular brand of spreading cheese – that I try not to run out of, since that would be the kind of household crisis to provoke much discontent.
The koot goes in to many things I make- salads, vegetable side dishes- obviously all on that favorite foods list. It is best made by crushing peanuts (roasted,skinless,unsalted) in a chopper or a coffee grinder.
The raita goes rather well with pulavs and puris, IMO. This the one thing of which the girls invariably ask for a second helping.
Here’s how I make it.
Peanuts Raita
(enough for 4 people)
Peanuts koot – 6 tbsp(or more, if you like)
Yoghurt – 400 gms
Salt – to taste
Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder – to taste
Cumin powder – 1 to 1 and1/2 tsp
(you could use any other chilli powder; I use this one because none of us like “hot” spicy flavors)
Chopped Green Coriander – 1 tbsp
Smooth the yoghurt in a bowl, with a spoon or a fork, after adding the spices and the coriander. Add the peanuts, and mix everything again. Chill for an hour, if you like, before serving.
An Indian Kitchen in France 