Raita is used in Indian cuisine as a cooling balance for spicy dishes. Try it with curries or as a condiment for grilled meat or poultry.

Makes 1 1/2 cups

ACTIVE TIME: 10 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 10 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

1 cup low-fat plain yogurt
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 small clove garlic, minced
1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

Combine yogurt, lime juice, garlic, cucumber, cumin, salt, pepper and mint in a small bowl. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per tablespoon: 8 calories; 0 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono); 1 mg cholesterol; 1 g carbohydrate; 1 g protein; 0 g fiber; 32 mg sodium.

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

This is FANTASTIC. It is quick, very healthy and tastes great. Add some kick to this by finely dicing a fresh serrano pepper or jalapeno. Serve with pita bread, regular bread, crostini... turn it into a bruschetta dish. A thin slice of lean meat, fresh tomatoe or roasted vegetables blends well together. Guaranteed to enjoy.

Anonymous, Ne