Recipe
Kenyan Spicy Tomato and Onion Salad
Fiery Kachumbari: A Burst of Kenyan Flavors
4.3 out of 5
This recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Kenyan cuisine to your table with a zesty tomato and onion salad known as Kachumbari. Bursting with freshness and a hint of spice, this traditional Kenyan dish is a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or as a refreshing side on its own.
Metadata
Preparation time
10 minutes
Cooking time
N/A
Total time
25 minutes (including resting time)
Yields
4 servings
Preparation difficulty
Easy
Suitable for
Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free
Allergens
N/A
Not suitable for
Paleo, Keto, Low-carb, High-protein, Whole30
Ingredients
-
4 ripe tomatoes, diced 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
-
1 red onion, finely chopped 1 red onion, finely chopped
-
1 small bunch of cilantro, finely chopped 1 small bunch of cilantro, finely chopped
-
1-2 chili peppers (such as habanero or serrano), finely chopped 1-2 chili peppers (such as habanero or serrano), finely chopped
-
Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
-
Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 45 kcal / 188 KJ
- Fat (total, saturated): 0.5g, 0g
- Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 3g
- Salt: 0.5g
Preparation
-
1.In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, cilantro, and chili peppers.
-
2.Squeeze the lemon juice over the mixture and sprinkle with salt.
-
3.Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined.
-
4.Let the Kachumbari sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
-
5.Serve chilled as a side dish or accompaniment to grilled meats, chapati, or ugali.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Tomatoes — Choose ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If they are not in season, you can use cherry tomatoes instead.
- Red onion — Soak the chopped onion in cold water for a few minutes to mellow its sharpness if desired.
- Chili peppers — Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your spice preference. Remove the seeds for a milder heat.
- Lemon juice — Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a tangy brightness to the salad. Adjust the amount to taste.
- Salt — Add salt gradually and taste as you go to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
Tips & Tricks
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of finely grated ginger to the Kachumbari.
- If you prefer a milder version, remove the seeds and membranes from the chili peppers before chopping.
- Allow the Kachumbari to marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving to intensify the flavors.
- Serve the Kachumbari with grilled chicken or beef for a delicious and balanced meal.
- Experiment with different types of chili peppers to find your preferred level of spiciness.
Serving advice
Serve the Kachumbari chilled in a bowl or as a colorful garnish on a plate. It pairs well with grilled meats, such as nyama choma, or as a refreshing side dish with chapati or ugali.
Presentation advice
To enhance the presentation, garnish the Kachumbari with a sprig of fresh cilantro or a slice of lemon. Serve it in a vibrant bowl or on a platter to showcase the colorful ingredients.
More recipes...
More Kenyan cuisine dishes » Browse all
Mukimo
Mashed Bean and Potato Dish
Mukimo is a traditional Kenyan dish made with mashed potatoes, beans, and corn. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is often served as a side...
Mutura
Mutura is a traditional Kenyan sausage that is made with goat or beef intestines, blood, and a variety of spices. It is typically grilled or...
Irio
Mashed Beans and Vegetables
Irio is a traditional Kenyan dish made with mashed potatoes, peas, and corn. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is often served as a side or...