Summer is now in full swing! It is time for you to look out for cooling elements. The first best thing to flash in mind is curd and curd related products like raitas. This is the beat time to treat yourself with raitas and beat the heat. Check out these varieties of raitas to try out each day and make your summer refreshing!

Pudina raita
Pudina (mint) leaves: 50gm
Curd: 1 cup
Cumin seeds: 1/2 teaspoon (roasted and ground)
Salt

Make a paste of pudina (mint) leaves using little water.

The a bowl of thick, stained curd. Add the paste and roasted and ground cumin seeds.

Add salt, garnish with mint leaves, serve chilled.

Gajar raita
Carrots: 2 medium sized (grated)
Curd: 1 cup
Chaat masala: 1 tsp
Salt
Coriander leaves for garnish

Take a bowl of thick, stained curd, add grated carrots.

Add chaat masala and salt.

Garnish with coriander leaves, serve chilled.

Kachnar raita
kachnar flowers: few
Curd: 1 cup
Cumin seeds: 1/2 teaspoon (roasted and ground)
Salt

Kachnar (mountain ebony) flowers are available in market iduring this weather. Medicinal properties of the flower gives instant relief from heat.
Boil kachnar flowers for five minutes, stain and cool.

Add them to cup of curd. Add salt, chopped green chilies and ground cumin seeds.

Beetroot raita
Beetroot: 1 (peeled and grated)
Curd: 1 cup
Cumin seeds: 1/2 teaspoon (roasted and ground)
Salt

Take a bowl of thick, stained curd, add grated beets.

Add a teaspoon of roasted and ground cumin seeds.

Add salt, serve chilled.

- Sumana