.: evil jungle prince :.

It's chili pepper season here in the desert. The weather has turned warm -- or rather, quite hot -- and seemingly overnight peppers have emerged from what were blossoms only a few days prior. These hot temperatures and my desire for spicy flavors with cooling overtones conspired to form the following dish: Indian raita, or fresh vegetables in a spicy yogurt sauce.

And so easy to make. One only needs access to some fresh peppers, garden vegetables, and some cool plain yogurt. This makes for a perfect hot day snack when cooking something elaborate in the middle of soaring temperatures is likely the last thing on a lethargic person's wishlist.

1. Begin by dicing some fresh ginger, red onion, tomato, and cucumber. Set aside, reserving a little bit of each as garnish.

2. Slice two mildly hot peppers, set aside.

3. Mix the diced vegetables with plain yogurt and peppers. Garnish with the reserve.

4. Serve sprinkled with a pinch of chili powder and chopped cilantro, if desired.

... of course I had to post something from Bollywood this time. :-)