Gundel Salad with a Malay Twist

Ingredients

In this Malay adaptation of Gundel salad, we incorporate Malay spices and flavors to give it a unique twist. The traditional Hungarian dressing is replaced with a tangy peanut dressing infused with Malay spices, such as lemongrass and turmeric. Additionally, we add toasted coconut flakes for a crunchy texture and garnish the salad with fried shallots to enhance its sweetness. We alse have the original recipe for Gundel saláta, so you can check it out.

• 4 cups (120g) lettuce, shredded 4 cups (120g) lettuce, shredded
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup (80g) toasted coconut flakes 1 cup (80g) toasted coconut flakes
• 2 shallots, thinly sliced and fried (for garnish) 2 shallots, thinly sliced and fried (for garnish)
• For the dressing: For the dressing:
• 1/2 cup (120ml) peanut butter 1/2 cup (120ml) peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) lime juice 2 tablespoons (30ml) lime juice
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) lemongrass paste 1 teaspoon (5ml) lemongrass paste
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) turmeric powder
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) chili flakes 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) chili flakes

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 8g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the shredded lettuce, cucumber slices, and diced tomatoes.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, lemongrass paste, turmeric powder, and chili flakes until well combined.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the vegetables evenly.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the toasted coconut flakes over the salad.
5. 5.
   Garnish with fried shallots.
6. 6.
   Serve immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Peanut butter — Make sure to use natural peanut butter without added sugar or hydrogenated oils for a healthier option.
• Lemongrass paste — If fresh lemongrass is not available, you can substitute it with lemongrass paste or powder. Adjust the quantity according to your taste preference.

Tips & Tricks

• For added crunch, you can also sprinkle some crushed peanuts on top of the salad.
• Adjust the amount of chili flakes according to your spice tolerance.
• To make it a heartier meal, you can add grilled chicken or tofu to the salad.

Serving advice

Serve the Malay-inspired Gundel salad as a refreshing appetizer or as a light main course. It pairs well with grilled meats or seafood.

Presentation advice

Arrange the salad on a large platter, garnish with fried shallots, and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for an eye-catching presentation.