Chechen Tomato Salad

Ingredients

In the original Romanian version of the dish, Salată de roșii, the salad is typically made with tomatoes, onions, and a simple dressing of oil and vinegar. However, in this Chechen adaptation, we incorporate traditional Chechen spices like coriander and cumin to add a unique flavor profile. Additionally, fresh herbs like cilantro and mint are added to enhance the freshness of the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Salată de roșii, so you can check it out.

• 4 large tomatoes, diced (800g / 1.76 lbs) 4 large tomatoes, diced (800g / 1.76 lbs)
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (100g / 3.5 oz) 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (100g / 3.5 oz)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (15g / 0.5 oz) 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (15g / 0.5 oz)
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped (15g / 0.5 oz) 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped (15g / 0.5 oz)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml) 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon

Nutrition

• Calories: 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat: 8g (Saturated Fat: 1g)
• Carbohydrates: 12g (Sugar: 6g)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, chopped cilantro, and chopped mint leaves.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the ground coriander, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the tomato mixture and toss gently to combine.
4. 4.
   Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Serve chilled and enjoy!

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 or canned tomatoes as a substitute.
• Red onion — Soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad to mellow out its sharp flavor.
• Fresh herbs — Make sure to wash the cilantro and mint leaves thoroughly and pat them dry before chopping.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a finely chopped chili pepper to the salad.
• Serve the Chechen Tomato Salad with warm flatbread for a satisfying meal.
• Customize the salad by adding other vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers.
• Adjust the amount of spices and herbs according to your taste preferences.
• Make a larger batch of the dressing and keep it refrigerated for future use.

Serving advice

Serve the Chechen Tomato Salad as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled meats or as a light lunch with some crusty bread.

Presentation advice

Garnish the salad with a sprig of fresh mint and a sprinkle of ground coriander to add a pop of color and enhance the visual appeal.