Mint and Cucumber Raita

This is one of those super refreshing accompaniments that go so well with the afternoon meal. And ready in a jiffy.

You need:
3 cups of curd - sieve it to remove any lumps
1 cup finely chopped/ grated cucumber
1/4 cup mint leaves - finely chopped
Sugar - 1 tsp
Roasted cumin seeds (jeera)- slightly ground
salt - to taste

How to:
Mix curd, cucumber, sugar and mint together and chill in the fridge for some time. Just before serving add the salt and garnish with the roasted cumin seeds.

Quick fix sandwich

This is a variant of a snack that my roomie used to make for us... and I love it! Easy no nonsense healthy snack.. sometimes good enough for lunch :)

You need:

• 4 Slices of brown bread


• 2 thin slices of fresh paneer (cottage cheese) slightly smaller than the bread slices. Make sure the paneer is fresh and elastic and does not crumble


• 4 tbsp of thick dahi (curd)


• 1 green chilly - finely chopped (optional)


• 1 cup of finely chopped capsicum, onion and tomato


• red chilly powder - 1 tsp


• mustard powder - 1 tsp (alternatively use mustard sauce)


• salt to taste


• Butter to toast

How to:

• Put the curd, red chilly powder, mustard powder, salt in a small plate with edges and mix well.


• Marinate the vegetables and paneer in this mix for 30 minutes


• Take a slice of bread and place the marinated paneer on it. Add some vegetables from the marinate and cover with the second slice. Press lightly to seal it


• Heat a griddle and add some butter. Place the sandwich on the griddle and toast till golden brown. Turn to the other side and toast again.


• Repeat with the other 2 slices and the leftover mixture


• Serve hot with ketchup