Aromanian-inspired Spicy Herb Salad

Ingredients

While the original Tam khanun is a Thai salad made with green papaya, this Aromanian-inspired version takes a departure from the traditional ingredients and flavors. Instead of green papaya, this salad highlights a variety of fresh herbs commonly used in Aromanian cuisine. The addition of chili adds a spicy twist, giving the salad a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from the original Thai dish. We alse have the original recipe for Tam khanun, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (60g) fresh parsley, finely chopped 2 cups (60g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 cup (30g) fresh dill, finely chopped 1 cup (30g) fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 cup (30g) fresh mint leaves, finely chopped 1 cup (30g) fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red chili, finely chopped 1 red chili, finely chopped
• Juice of 2 lemons Juice of 2 lemons
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 9g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 9g, 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped parsley, dill, and mint leaves.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced red onion, minced garlic, and chopped red chili to the bowl.
3. 3.
   Squeeze the juice of two lemons over the herb mixture.
4. 4.
   Drizzle the olive oil over the salad and season with salt to taste.
5. 5.
   Toss the salad gently until all the ingredients are well combined.
6. 6.
   Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Serve the Spicy Herb Salad chilled or at room temperature.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Parsley — Make sure to finely chop the parsley to release its flavors fully.
• Dill — Use fresh dill for the best taste and aroma.
• Mint leaves — Select fresh mint leaves without any discoloration for optimal freshness.
• Red chili — Adjust the amount of chili according to your desired level of spiciness.
• Lemon juice — Squeeze the lemons just before adding the juice to the salad to retain its freshness.

Tips & Tricks

• For a milder version, remove the seeds from the red chili before chopping.
• Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Serve the salad with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
• Experiment with different herb combinations to suit your taste preferences.
• Make a larger batch of the salad and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for easy meal prep.

Serving advice

Serve the Aromanian-inspired Spicy Herb Salad as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables. It can also be enjoyed as a light and healthy main course.

Presentation advice

Garnish the salad with a few whole herb leaves and a drizzle of olive oil for an attractive presentation. Serve it in a vibrant salad bowl to showcase the beautiful green colors of the herbs.