Recipe: Potato Salad Raita (potatoes boiled with Indian spices)

POTATO SALAD RAITA

"Bright flavors of Indian spice and fresh herbs, and a cooling Riata dressing playoff one another to make this a colorful family favorite."

1 1/2 pounds Yukon potato peeled and cubed
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon mustard seeds
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 cup chopped flat leafed parsley
1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach
1/2 cup chopped roasted red pepper (from a jar or roasted over flame and peeled)
1 small onion chopped fine
1 fresh jalapeno pepper, chopped fine (optional)
1/2 cup chopped cucumber
FOR THE DRESSING:
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons lemon zest and parsley leaves (for garnish)

Place in potatoes, curry powder, cumin, mustard seeds and salt in boiling water for about 10 minutes or until potatoes are just done; drain. Let drained potatoes cool.

Add the parsley, spinach, red pepper, onion, jalapeno, and cucumber and mix.

Combine the ingredients for the dressing and add to the salad. Mix and garnish with lemon zest and parsley.

Source: Shari Saslaw for FoodTV Potato Salad Championship, Cook-Off Competition, 2001