Carrot perugu pacchadi (carrot raita)

Carrots are very beneficial for health. They help in improved vision, cancer prevention, anti-aging, healthy skin, stroke prevention etc. Many people take a glass of carrot juice every morning on a regular basis.
so, it is better to eat carrots in salads, subzis, dals, or chutneys. Raita made out of grated carrot is very easy to prepare. It is a great side dish to be eaten with rice, pulao, parathas etc. As the grated carrot is microwaved, you may not use any oil also, except for seasoning.
Carrots are available everywhere all through the year.

Ingredients:

•      1 cup grated carrot
•      1/2 cup whipped curd (yogurt)
•      1 green chili (cut into small pieces)
•      Cilantro for garnish
•      Fresh pomegranate seeds for garnish (optional)
•      Ajwain leaves finely cut (optional)
•      A few curry leaves
•      Salt to taste

Seasoning:

•      1 tsp. oil
•      1/4 tsp. mustard seeds
•      1/4 tsp. jeera seeds
•      A pinch of hing (asafetida)

Directions:

1.      Microwave grated carrot (covered) in microwave for a minute.
2.      When it cools, add the carrot to curd.
3.      Heat oil in a small pan, add mustard and jeera.
4.      When mustard seeds splutter add hing and curry leaves.
5.      Add the seasoning to the carrot mixture.
6.      Serve after garnishing with cut cilantro, green chili and pomegranate seeds.