Yesterday evening we had a chickpea masala curry and naan bread. I craved something tangy and spicy to go with it. I peered into our fridge, found an interesting set of ingredients to fulfill this craving.
This combination resulted in an Indian raita and Greek tzatziki fusion. One that cools down the palette yet warms the senses. By that I mean, the yoghurt and cucumber cools and the garam masala warms you up. The lime cuts right through the creaminess of the yoghurt. And is oh so refreshing!
Another twist to the fusion is the addition of baby spinach leaves instead of coriander in a raita or mint in a tzatziki. The yoghurt dresses the shredded crisp leaves in the most delicate fashion and as it is not a herb does not overpower the whole dish.
Give it a go and let me know how you like it! Much love D x
INGREDIENTS
½ large cucumber finely grated
2 large handfuls of baby spinach shredded
1 clove garlic crushed
300g natural yoghurt
⅓ tsp garam masala
Pinch of dried red chilli flakes
Salt to taste
A squeeze of fresh lime 1 tsp or so
Drizzle of olive oil
METHOD
• Put all the ingredients into a medium sized serving bowl, apart from the lime and olive oil
• Combine well, making sure the yoghurt is smooth and coats all the cucumber and spinach
• Lastly stir in the lime juice and drizzle with a little olive oil
• Ready to serve with an Indian meal or Greek! Enjoy!
That looks so lovely and fresh 😍 nice xx
Thank you xxx
Looks and sounds really good, perfect with spicy food I guess.
Thank you honey! Yes with spicy food to cool it down or even as a dip with some pitta or flat bread… working it as tzatziki x
Nice, nice! Appeals to my Indian taste buds….. Happy happy new year! 😀
Thank you Aruna! A very happy new year to you too xxx
Indeed a great fusion!!! Loved the addition of spinach here… n of course, who doesn’t like tzatziki 😀 Pass on this to me n I’ll have it all with pita… n if not, even tortilla shards will work great 😛
I’m glad you like it honey! I love tzatziki and raita so worked for me too x
This sounds fabulous! Chickpea curry and yogurt is the ultimate comfort food for me 🙂
You’re so right it is extremely comforting! I like the chickpeas soft when they have absorbed all the flavour! 🙂
Yum yum yum! Give me spicy anytime!
Thank you x
What a great blend.
Thanks honey x
Nice …I love it …Adding the spinach ON Tzatziki 🙂
Thank you it made a lovely change and very healthy too x
Yummmmmmm. Great fusion. Love the spinach addition.
Thank you very much! We finished the whole bowl 🙂
This looks delicious, Dimple!! I could eat the whole bowl!! ❤
Looks yummy.. :))
Thank you so much Anitha x
Thank you! X
I’ve had tzaziki, and riata and I’ve loved them both. I have never thought to combine the two! Yum!!
Thank you! I’m so happy you like the recipe. I hope you enjoy it 🙂
I don’t think I’ve had this before, but it looks good, Dimple! 🙂
Thanks Jhuls..do give it a go 🙂
Give some naan bread and I’ll finish your “raita-tzatziki” in less than 5 minutes… you had a great idea!
Thank you…I’m sending you over some naan bread!
Yummy combination, looks so mouth-watering!
It was goooood…Thanks Apsara
Beautiful recipe D 🙂
Thanks honey 🙂
Hi , It looks delicious and a healthy dish, thanks for your sharing.
Hi…Thank you 🙂
Oh I will be trying this..what a great and tasty marriage of dishes!
I’m so glad…I hope you enjoy it!
Cucumbers are the best!! This looks lovely, Dimple! Come on over and see the award I’ve given you, darling!! 😉 xo http://foodgurly.com/2014/04/28/low-glycemic-gluten-free-sugar-free-brownies-wbuttercream-frosting-and-an-award/
Oh darling…Thank you so much xxx
You’re so very welcome love! xo
Congrats! You have been nominated for the Beautiful blogger award . Please collect it onhttp://aromasandflavours.com/2014/04/28/beautiful-blogger-award/
Thank you so much 🙂
this looks lovely! bright and fresh – exactly what i love 🙂
Thanks Alicia…enjoy 🙂
Wow! Sounds good Dimple!
Thanks Lori x
🙂
What a great way to combine simple ingredients to make a delicious raitha! My next raitha is going to be this combination.
My mom often made spinach raita at home, but she would first boil the leaves. That way one can pack a ton of leaves into the yogurt. Depending on your love for spinach that may or may not be what you want ;). I will try your variation next!
That’s a great idea..Maybe I shall put raw spinach in or blanche it. Can’t wait..Thanks for sharing Aneela 🙂
Yummy. This would be so good with some spicy biryani 🙂
Dis is Terrific & yummyyyyy☆☆☆☆☆
Thanks Linda 🙂