TOMATO RAITHA

TOMATO RAITHA

                                                           

First let us see the benefits of Yogurt or Curd

Nutrients found in yogurt
The health benefit of yogurt has always surprised mankind. It has proteins that are digested with out any trouble. The occurrence of lactobacillus, useful bacteria that ferments milk into yogurt and aids in digestion is the added advantage. They shield the gut from infection by harmful bacteria. It has positive effects on the maintenance of cholesterol levels in the body and also avoids ailments like hypertension and boosts our immunity. The prominent health benefits of yogurt are:

• Rich source of essential minerals like calcium, potassium and magnesium. Calcium and magnesium maintain bone health and dental health. Potassium is very important for nerve health and to maintain the fluid balance in the body.
• Yogurt contains large amounts of vitamins B2 and B12. Vitamin B2 is crucial for healthy nerves, eyes and skin, while B12 is important for bone health.
• Protein content of yogurt is found to be of higher quality than milk as it is more easily digestible than milk due to the partial breakdown of proteins by the fermenting bacteria.

Nutritional information on Yogurt
A cup of low-fat yogurt provides:

154	calories
12.86 gms	proteins
448 mg	calcium
573 mg	potassium
353 mg	phosphorous
42 mg	magnesium
1.37 mcg	vitamin B12

So  Knowing  the benefits of tomato and yogurt, we can make a very simple Raitha made of both of them, which will go very well as side dish to all the major meals like rice, chappathi, variety rices etc etc.
Ripe Tomatoes                          -- 3
Thick Non fat Curd                   -- 1 cup
Coconut gratings( optional)        -- 1 tbsn
Chilli paste                                -- 1 tsp
Minced Coriander leaves           -- a handful
Onion, Garlic  pieces(optional)   -- 2 tbsn
Salt to taste
1.Cut the tomatoes into small bits and microwave them just for a minute so they will not become mashy.
2.Grind one green chilli, a small piece of ginger, salt and coriander leaves into a coarse paste.It should not be smooth.
3.Mix all these in the curd once the tomato pieces become cool.
4.If preferable, microwave the garlic and onion pieces for 2 minutes, allow them to cool and mix in the raitha.But it is only optional.
5.No need to season this with mustard or jeera.So this is completely oil free.

INSTANT  TOMATO  CHUTNEY

                                                          

Instant Tomato chutney

Ripe Tomato                          -- 4 or 5
Tamarind paste                      -- 1 tsp

Sambar Powder                     -- 2 tsp
Turmeric powder                    -- 1/2 tsp
Mustard, urad dhal                  -- 1 tsp each
Curry leaves                            -- a handful
Green chilli                              -- 2
Oil                                           -- 2 tsp
Salt to taste
1. Grind the tomatoes, tamind paste,sambar powder, turmeric powder and salt to a nice paste
2. In a non stick tawa, season, mustard, urad dhal, curry leaves and slit green chill in oil.
3. Add the ground paste and saute till raw smell goes.
4. Remove from fire once it becomes semi solid.
5. As an alternate to sambar powder, we can use chilli powder or even chat powder or any masala powder to give different tastes.