Spiced yogurt

Yogurt is known to mankind for centuries, around the world. Especially, Mediterranean Countries use a lot of yogurt in their cuisine. They also prepare yogurt drinks made with plain yogurt, salt and water and serve it with shish kebabs.Yogurt contain probiotics, which provide various health benefits. Yogurt has various culinary uses. To retain its nutrient values, it is best eaten in its original form,  rather than cooking or adding in gravies. You can substitute plain  kefir for yogurt in this recipe. I had this spiced yogurt at a pakisthani restuarant served along with biryani. They added additional green colour to it. But, I prefer mine without any artificial colours. It can be served as a chilled drink in the hot summer months to beat the heat.
Ingredients:

Yogurt - 1 cup

Ginger – 1 inch piece washed and peeled

Green chillies – 1 chopped

Onion – ½ diced

Mint – 1 sprig

Coriander leaves – 1 tsp

Cumin – 1 tsp

Salt

Method:

Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend  till smooth. Serve chilled with pulavs, Biryanis, fried rice etc.

Storage of yogurt :Yogurt is fresh dairy product, it must be stored in the refrigerator. Keep refrigerated until it is served. 

Tip: Yogurt is used in making the sauces, but when heated or boiled it starts to curdle. Adding a tsp of cornstarch can prevent this problem.