Raita (Cucumber and Yogurt Salad)

This dish goes great with any Indian food.  It tones down the heat of curry dishes and adds a nice contrast to spiced meats.  Note that you'll need to prepare the cucumbers a few hours ahead of time so they have time to drain.

Raita (Cucumber and Yogurt Salad)

Ingredients:
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup diced, seeded tomato (about 1 medium tomato)
1 medium cucumber
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tsp minced seeded jalapeno pepper, OR 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1 1/2 tsp chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp salt

Peel the cucumber, then grate it.  Put the grated cucumber in a sieve and press out as much water as possible.  Then let the cucumber sit in the sieve, over a bowl or sink for at least one hour.  Before using, squeeze out as much remaining water as possible.
In a small bowl combine the cucumber and all other ingredients.  Stir well.
Makes about 1 1/2 cups.