Mountain Ebony Buds Raita (Yoghurt)
Kachnar Kali Kaa Raita
Kachnar tree, Bauhinia Variegate is also known as orchid tree or butterfly tree, because its flowers look like orchids or butterflies. In India, its buds are considered a delicacy. They are available for a short season only, during March-April, and are difficult and expensive to buy.
They make delicious raita or bhaji stir-fry or Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata) Buds Stuffed Paratha .
Serves 2
Ingredients
- 1 cup Kachnar buds
- 2 cups natural, thick yoghurt (dahi)
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp. dry roasted cumin seeds, coarsely ground
- 1-2 green chillies, finely chopped
Instructions
- Boil the buds in water for 5-6 minutes, drain water out and allow the buds to cool.
- Save 5-6 buds for garnish.
- Gently press the water out of the remaining buds. Keep aside.
- Mix other ingredients to yoghurt, beat gently and then add cooled buds.
- Fold in gently.
- Transfer to a serving bowl. You can decorate it with the saved Kachnar buds or fresh flowers, if you have any available.
- Serve chilled.