Spicy Yogurt Cucumber Dip Recipes

CUCUMBER RAITA

Steps:

• Grate the cucumber then drain the excess water created in the process.
• Place the grated cucumber in a large bowl then stir in the yogurt, garlic and cumin.
• Season with salt and pepper and top with mint leaves.
• Serve as a starter with pappadums or as a side dish to an Indian meal.

CUCUMBER-YOGURT DIP

Steps:

• Cut the garlic clove in half and place the halves at the edge of the cutting board. Use the dull side of your chef's knife to cut the garlic almost to a mash, then use the sharp side to mince it. Put the garlic and lemon juice in a small bowl along with a pinch of salt to remove the raw taste from the garlic and lightly pickle it.
• Chop the cucumber, scallions, and parsley and add them to the garlic.
• Finish by mixing in the yogurt, dried mint, and olive oil. Season with salt and serve with crudités, pita, or latkes.

SPICY CUCUMBERS WITH YOGURT, LEMON AND HERBS

Steps:

• Toss the cucumber pieces with 1 teaspoon salt and set in a colander in the sink to drain.
• In a small pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the coriander and cumin, and toast until fragrant, stirring to avoid scorching, about 1 minute. Remove oil from heat, add red-pepper flakes and allow to cool.
• In a medium bowl, toss the salted cucumber pieces with the scallions, spiced oil and apple cider vinegar. Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes or overnight while you prepare the yogurt.
• In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, half of the herbs (mint, dill and parsley), zest and juice of the lemon and the olive oil. Stir to incorporate, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Spread the yogurt mixture on a plate or the bottom of a shallow bowl. Using a slotted spoon to drain the cucumbers and scallions of excess liquid, evenly place the cucumbers and scallions on top of the yogurt. Finish with the remaining chopped herbs and pine nuts (if using), and serve immediately.

CUCUMBER YOGURT DIP

Steps:

• to drain the yogurt, line a mesh colandar with cheesecloth or a coffee filter and hang over a bowl. Let the yogurt drain at least an hour or two, but no big deal if it is easier for you the night before. If that is the case, make sure to cover the top and leave it in the fridge.
• This can be skipped if you can get your hands on real Greek yogurt, which is thicker than most commerical brands.
• Place the now thickened yorgurt to a bowl and add the other ingredients. Best if it sits for a bit to let the flavors combine, but with me, it is likely that it will get eaten long before.
• You may keep leftovers in the fridge, but I find the raw garlic can get a bit intense upon sitting. Not that that is a bad thing, but consider yourself warned.

SPICY YOGURT CUCUMBER DIP

Steps:

• Drain cucumber in a fine sieve for 20 minutes; press to extract liquid.
• Meanwhile, if using plain yogurt, drain in cheesecloth placed in a sieve, 20 minutes.
• Heat oil in a saucepan over medium high heat; add curry powder and cook until bubbly, about 45 seconds.
• Transfer to a bowl and let cool; stir in cucumber, yogurt, chutney, ginger, cilantro, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
• Refrigerate 1 hour; adjust seasonings.
• Store up to 3 days refrigerated.

SPICY YOGURT AND CUCUMBER DIP WITH PAPPADAMS

Steps:

• Place cucumber in a fine sieve set over a bowl; let stand to drain for at least 20 minutes. Press down on solids to extract liquid.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook curry powder until just beginning to bubble, about 45 seconds. Transfer to a bowl; let cool slightly.
• Stir in cucumber, yogurt, chutney, ginger, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve with pappadams.