Kela ka Raita (Yogurt with Banana and Grated Coconut)

Name: Kela ka Raita (Yogurt with Banana and Grated Coconut)
Total time: PT0D0H0M
Yield: makes 2 CUPS
Ingredients: 2 tbsp. ghee; 1 tsp. black mustard seeds; 1 ⁄ 2 cup fresh or frozen grated coconut; 1 cup plain, full-fat yogurt; 1 tsp. kosher salt; 1 tsp. minced cilantro; 1 medium-ripe banana, peeled and sliced crosswise ¼" thick

Serves
makes 2 CUPS

INGALLS PHOTOGRAPHY

At the Indian table, a variety of yogurt-based raitas mollify the tongue-searing effect of chiles. This version, made fruity and sweet with the addition of coconut and banana, is adapted from Foods of the World: The Cooking of India (Time Life, 1969). This recipe first appeared as part of the digital edition of our August/September 2014 special India issue.

Ingredients

2 tbsp. ghee
1 tsp. black mustard seeds
¹⁄₂ cup fresh or frozen grated coconut
1 cup plain, full-fat yogurt
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. minced cilantro
1 medium-ripe banana, peeled and sliced crosswise ¼" thick

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Instructions

Step 1

Melt ghee in an 8” skillet over medium-high heat. Cook mustard seeds until they pop, 1-2 minutes. Stir in coconut and remove from heat. Transfer mixture to a bowl and stir in 2 tbsp. yogurt; let cool. Stir in remaining yogurt, the salt, cilantro, and banana; cover with plastic wrap and chill one hour before serving.

Melt ghee in an 8” skillet over medium-high heat. Cook mustard seeds until they pop, 1-2 minutes. Stir in coconut and remove from heat. Transfer mixture to a bowl and stir in 2 tbsp. yogurt; let cool. Stir in remaining yogurt, the salt, cilantro, and banana; cover with plastic wrap and chill one hour before serving.