Gajar Kaju Raita

Ingredients:

• Plain yogurt, preferably homemade – 2 cups 

• Medium-sized carrots (about ½ pound/230g), peeled and shredded – 3 

• Pitted dates 6, sliced into thin rounds, or 2 table spoons raisins or currants soaked in hot water for 10 minutes, then drained

• Dry roasted chopped cashews, almonds or pecans – 3 tbsp

• Grated orange or lime zest – 1 tsp

• Fresh orange juice, strained – 2 tbsp

• Granulated maple or date sugar – 2 tbsp

• Cardamom seeds, coarsely crushed – ¼ tsp

 

Preparation:

1. Line a colander with three thicknesses of cheesecloth (about 16 inches/40 cm square) or a white handkerchief. Place the yogurt in the cloth, gather up the four corners, and tie closed with a piece of kitchen twine. Hang the yogurt from a knob on a kitchen cabinet or a sink faucet where it can drip and drain into a bowl or sink. Let it drain undisturbed for 2-3 hours.(note from Kurma: I sit the cloth-lined colander in the fridge over a bowl).

2. Press the carrots between your palms to excess juice. Place the drained yogurt in a 1-quart/liter bowl and whisk with a fork until smooth and creamy. Add the remaining ingredients, and stir until blended. Serve at room temperature or chill for 1-2 hours.

 

By Kurma

 

Source: www.kurma.net