Cucumber / Zuchinni Salad
from Asha Kumar - Detroit, Michigan, USA

Salads are an integral part of the culinary tastes of India.
They are made from cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, carrots, spinach or potatoes.
Each region of India has its own special salads and blend of spices to go with it.
The salad listed here is from my home-state, Karnataka in southern part of India.
In my state, there are various ways of preparing a cucumber salad, this method is just one of them.
After coming to this country, I've tried making the same salad with zuchinnis and the salad turned out to be great.

• 2 medium-sized cucumbers / zuchinnis ( they should be firm and small , these contain less seeds)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 small green chillies - chopped
• 1 small piece ginger - minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp vegetable oil
• 10 - 12 cleaned cut cilantro leaves

Wash and peel the cucumbers.
Cut them into medium-sized pieces and put into a serving-bowl.
Mix salt, garam masala, chillies, ginger, black pepper and diced cucumbers well.
Keep a small frying pan on heat and put 1 tsp vegetable oil.

When the oil is hot, add cumin seeds and fry until they turn brown.
This seasoning is an important ingredient which lends flavor to the salad.
Remove from heat and add to salad and mix all ingredients thoroughly.
Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve chilled.