Raita is a cooling cucumber yogurt sauce used in Northern Indian cuisine and infused with the warming spices of garam masala. Switching out the cream cheese for a lightly spiced yogurt spread gives much-needed oomph to the traditional cucumber tea sandwich. Serve as an easy hors d’oeuvre when unexpected summer houseguests arrive.
Serves 4 - 6 as an appetizer.
- 10 half-inch slices of dark hearty bread, such as pumpernickel or anadama
- 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt
- 1 clove of garlic, grated with a microplane
- 1 teaspoon of minced cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice
- 1/8 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
- 10 slices of cucumber (unpeeled), a few millimeters thick
1. Slice the crusts off the bread so you get about 10 even squares.
2. Mix the Greek yogurt, garam masala, cumin, garlic, cilantro, and lemon juice in a small bowl until combined.
3. Spread a heaping tablespoon of yogurt mix onto each bread slice. Top each slice with a cucumber round. Serve.
