And what about the ever popular Greek Salad? That is feta and cucumbers with tomatoes. It is always a favourite. Feta is much like yogurt! Or what about Labni the thick yogurt eaten with pita, often cucumbers, olives, etc. Italian salads are often with buffalo milk mozarella cheese with cucumbers and tomatoes. Cucumber and yogurt salad is very popular among the Mediterranean countries, it is prepared with yogurt, cucumbers, fresh or dried mint, garlic and salt. I had raita for lunch today and yes it had cucumbers and yogurt/curd. This was at an Indian restaurant that caters to Indians. I don't think this cucumber and yogurt theory is flawless. Cucumber/ Yogurt Dressing 1 cup plain nonfat yogurt 1/2 medium cucumber chopped fine 1 tsp fresh-squeezed lemon juice 1 clove garlic, minced very fine 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp ground white pepper Blend ingredients together in a jar and store in the refrigerator. Use generously with falafel as well as with fresh green salads. Shanti/Mary-Anne

I love cucumber raita and googled to see if conusming it is harmful and was not able to find any authentic information regarding its harmful effects as may be mentioned in ayurveda. Cucumber and yogurt (raita) is a combination that not only Indians enjoy but creamy cucumber dip and sour cream with cucumber is enjoyed by many people all over the world.

Interesting as I just read on this very topic: "That's a misrepresentation because according to Ayurveda, if something is not poisonous, and is taken it moderation, it cannot be harmful to everyone. Cucumber can be harmful to some people, depending on their constitution. According to Ayurveda, the body is made up of differrent components, and different foods have the same components. Since, cucumber and yogurt have high water components, raita can be harmful to someone who has a deficiency of fire component, and beneficial to someone who has overabundance of fire component. I would rather say that Ayurveda is careful about mixing cucumber with yogurt because the mixture can be potent." Shanti/Mary-Anne

Oh is it so Ganesh? I never heard that...there may be some reason for this...do you have any ideas?

Good to know but according Ayurvedic tradition a mixture of cucumber and yoghurt to be harmful to the body. So you should try to avoid cucumber raita.

Yes Ganesh I too love raita and like to try out variations. Cucumber and carrot or beet also make excellent ingredients for raita which is nutritious as well.

In my view Raita is the best Indian condiment, that's why I like raita very much.It tastes great.

love garlic so garlic is a must add ingredient in my recipes :) I am loving the ifood experience where there's truly so much variety and so much to learn. Love to cook and its gr8 to know about so many different cuisines.

yes salt for sure, and great addition garlic! Will try it that way soon, can't imagine why we haven't added garlic as we LOVE garlic-have had it with garlic pita. We make a layered pita with garlic. I guess it is Bosnian or Serbian-not sure-typical in the US we learn so much of cuisine from others. Thanks for the idea. Shanti/Mary-Anne

That sounds real nice shantihh. I like to add a pinch of garlic paste to the hung curd, salt to taste and real delicious dip even for potato chips.

"hung raita" I think might be the same as a Leanese favourite called Lebni. I often make this by taking goat yogurt and placing in multiply layers of cheese cloth, hanging, and allowing the liquid to drip away for 8-24 hours. We love this and drizzle olive oil over it, eat with grilled pita and eat with fresh garden heirloom tomatoes, home cured olives, and some basil leaves plus a glass of good wine under a fig tree! Shanti/Mary-Anne

Ya snigdha. Raitas are a welcome addition to any Indian menu. I really enjoy the variations. I also like using it as a dip for snacks with hung curd.

Raita is an excellent side-dish with Biryanis, Pulaos or even Fried Rice. Also there are so many ways to make it. Onion raita is of course a very popular version. My favorites include cucumber raita and boondi raita.