HKC 7.2: RAITAS

Peel and thinly slice cucumber. Add yoghurt and spices. Gently toss. Chill.

Cut off an inch slice from each end of the cucurnbers. On each end make ten tiny cuts in each direction. This is done by flipping the knife quickly. The cuts should be no more than 1/8" deep. Fit the cut ends back on to the cucumber and rub together vigorously. Do one end at a time. This process will completely remove the bitterness from the cucumber. Peel cucumbers. Cut in half lengthwise, and cut each half into quarters. Then slice strips crosswise. Mix the yoghurt, salt and spices together and add to cucumber bits. Very tangy and refreshing.

Boil potatoes, peel and dice into 1" cubes. Beat the yoghurt and add the potatoes. Add salt. Sprinkle with gram massala and cayenne.

Prepare potatoes as in Raita I, but blend the cumin seed with yoghurt. Add cayenne if you like.

When Krsna ate lunch with His friends in the forest, Krsna appeared like the whorl of a lotus flower, and the boys surrounding Him appeared to be its different petals. These transcendental activities of the Lord are described by Srila Prabhupada in his book Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.