Zucchini in a Yogurt Dressing

• 1 tablespoon salt, plus 1/4 teaspoon
• 1 pound zucchini (2 medium), cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 3/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 3/4 teaspoon ground roasted cumin seeds (see note)
• 1/2 teaspoon brown or granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon brown mustard seeds
• Note 1: Ground roasted cumin seeds, place 3 to 4 tablespoons of whole cumin seeds into a heated, small cast iron skillet. Keep over medium heat. Stir the cumin until it is a few shades darker and emits a distinct roasted aroma. Grind in a clean and dry coffee grinder and store in a tightly lidded jar.
• Note 2: Garam masala, combine in a clean and dry coffee grinder 1 tablespoon cardamon seeds, 1 teaspoon whole cloves, 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns, 1 teaspoon whole black cumin seeds, 1 2-inch stick of cinnamon, 1/3 of a whole nutmeg, and a curl of mace. Grind until you have a fine powder. Store in a tightly lidded jar.
• Note 3: Rai masala, toast and grind 2 tablespoons whole coriander seeds, 1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds, 1 teaspoon whole fenugreek seeds, 1 teaspoon whole brown mustard seeds, 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns, 1 to 2 dried, hot, red chilies, and 5 whole cloves, using the same method as roasted cumin seeds.

1. Bring 2 1/2 quarts of water to a rolling boil.
2. Add 1 tablespoon salt, stir and put in the zucchini.
3. Boil rapidly for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the zucchini are just done.
4. Drain and leave to cool.
5. Put the yogurt in a bowl and beat lightly with a fork until smooth.
6. Add remaining salt, cayenne, roasted cumin, and sugar.
7. Stir to mix.
8. Heat the oil in a very small pan or skillet over fairly high heat.
9. When very hot, add the mustard seeds.
10. As soon as the mustard seeds begin to pop, this takes just a few seconds, pour the seeds and oil over the yogurt.
11. Stir to mix.
12. Gently fold the zucchini into the yogurt.
13. Serve warm or cold.

salt, zucchini, plain yogurt, cayenne pepper, ground roasted cumin seeds, brown, vegetable oil, brown mustard seeds, cumin seeds, garam masala, masala

Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/zucchini-in-a-yogurt-dressing.html (may not work)