Tamil-style Artichoke Salad

Ingredients

In this Tamil adaptation of Aginares salata, we replace the traditional Greek dressing with a tangy blend of tamarind and coconut, which are commonly used in Tamil cuisine. The addition of aromatic spices such as mustard seeds and curry leaves further enhances the flavors, giving the salad a distinct Tamil twist. We alse have the original recipe for Aginares salata, so you can check it out.

• 4 artichoke hearts, cooked and quartered 4 artichoke hearts, cooked and quartered
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
• 2 tablespoons grated coconut 2 tablespoons grated coconut
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 sprig curry leaves 1 sprig curry leaves
• 1 green chili, finely chopped 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves
• Salt to taste Salt to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the tamarind paste, grated coconut, and salt.
2. 2.
   Heat oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds. Once they start spluttering, add the curry leaves and green chili.
3. 3.
   Add the cooked artichoke hearts to the pan and sauté for a few minutes.
4. 4.
   Pour the tamarind-coconut mixture over the artichokes and mix well.
5. 5.
   Remove from heat and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
6. 6.
   Serve the Tamil-style Artichoke Salad chilled or at room temperature.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Artichoke hearts — Make sure to cook the artichoke hearts until they are tender but still have a slight bite. Overcooking can result in a mushy texture.
• Tamarind paste — Adjust the amount of tamarind paste according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a tangier flavor, you can add more tamarind paste.

Tips & Tricks

• If fresh artichoke hearts are not available, you can use canned or frozen artichoke hearts as a substitute.
• For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice to the salad before serving.
• Adjust the spiciness of the salad by adding more or fewer green chilies according to your preference.
• To enhance the texture, you can add some toasted cashews or peanuts to the salad.
• This salad can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving advice

Serve the Tamil-style Artichoke Salad as a refreshing appetizer or as a side dish with a traditional Tamil meal. It pairs well with steamed rice, sambar, and rasam.

Presentation advice

Garnish the salad with a sprinkle of grated coconut and a few fresh curry leaves to add a touch of elegance. Serve it in a vibrant bowl or on a banana leaf for an authentic Tamil presentation.