Cucumber Raita

1 cup yogurt

½ cup water

1 large cucumber (peeled and sliced in ¼-inch rounds)

1 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon cumin powder

¼ cup fresh coriander leaves

The best cumin powder to use for a raita is dry roasted. If you can take the time (just 5 minutes), bake the cumin seeds until they are a little dark, and then grind them in a spice grinder, or under a rolling pin. This process gives extra-special flavor.

In bowl mix yogurt, water, salt, and cayenne. Add cucumbers to yogurt mixture. Sprinkle cumin powder on top. Garnish with coriander leaves.

Serves 4.