Carrot Salad

Carrot Salad Recipe from India with Black Mustard Seeds and Lemon Juice

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Carrot salad is a simple and refreshing dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish. The combination of fresh carrots, tangy lemon juice, and aromatic mustard seeds creates a flavorful and satisfying salad that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Carrot salad has been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. Carrots are a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed raw or cooked, and they are often used in salads for their crunchy texture and sweet flavor. The addition of mustard seeds and lemon juice in this recipe adds a unique twist to the classic carrot salad, giving it a bold and zesty flavor.

Ingredients

5 medium carrots
salt to taste
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp whole black mustard seeds
2 tsp lemon juice

How to prepare

Trim, peel, and cut the carrots into small pieces. In a bowl, toss them with salt and set them aside.
In a small heavy pan over medium heat, heat the oil. When it is very hot, add the mustard seeds. As soon as the seeds begin to pop (in a few seconds), pour the oil and seeds over the carrots.
Add the lemon juice and toss everything together. Serve the dish at room temperature or cold.
Serves: 4.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding ingredients such as raisins, nuts, or herbs for extra flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different dressings or seasonings to create a unique and delicious carrot salad.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making carrot salad, be sure to use fresh and crisp carrots for the best results. You can also customize the salad by adding other ingredients such as raisins, nuts, or herbs for extra flavor and texture. Be sure to toss the salad well to evenly distribute the dressing and seasonings.

Serving Suggestions

Carrot salad can be served as a side dish with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a light and refreshing meal on its own. You can also top the salad with fresh herbs, nuts, or seeds for extra flavor and texture.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious carrot salad is to use fresh and crisp carrots and to toss the salad well to evenly distribute the dressing and seasonings. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to achieve the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have whole black mustard seeds, you can use ground mustard or mustard powder as a substitute. You can also customize the salad by adding other ingredients such as raisins, nuts, or herbs for extra flavor and texture.

Make Ahead Tips

Carrot salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to toss the salad well before serving to redistribute the dressing and seasonings.

Presentation Ideas

You can garnish the carrot salad with fresh herbs, nuts, or seeds for a beautiful presentation. Serve the salad in a decorative bowl or on a bed of lettuce for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Carrot salad pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a light and refreshing meal on its own. You can also serve the salad with a side of crusty bread or crackers for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Carrot salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to toss the salad well before serving to redistribute the dressing and seasonings. Carrot salad is best served at room temperature or cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of carrot salad contains approximately 100 calories, making it a light and low-calorie dish that is perfect for a healthy meal or snack.

Carbohydrates

Carrot salad is a low-carb dish, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet. Carrots are a good source of fiber and essential nutrients, making them a healthy choice for a balanced diet.

Fats

The vegetable oil used in this recipe adds a small amount of healthy fats to the dish. Fats are an important macronutrient that helps the body absorb vitamins and minerals, so including a small amount of fat in your diet is essential for overall health.

Proteins

Carrot salad is a plant-based dish that is naturally low in protein. To increase the protein content of the salad, you can add ingredients such as nuts, seeds, or beans.

Vitamins and minerals

Carrots are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being, making carrot salad a nutritious choice for a balanced diet.

Alergens

This recipe does not contain any common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten. However, if you have specific food allergies or dietary restrictions, be sure to check the ingredients and make any necessary substitutions.

Summary

Carrot salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is low in carbs and calories, making it a healthy choice for a balanced diet. With its fresh and vibrant flavors, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Summary

Carrot salad is a simple and refreshing dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish. With its fresh and vibrant flavors, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Carrot Salad. It was many years ago, during a family gathering at my Aunt Betty's house. Aunt Betty was always known for her delicious dishes and that day she had prepared a simple yet flavorful Carrot Salad that caught my attention.

As I took my first bite of the crunchy carrots mixed with a tangy dressing, I knew I had to ask Aunt Betty for the recipe. She smiled and told me it was a family recipe passed down from her grandmother. I listened intently as she listed off the ingredients and instructions, eager to recreate the dish in my own kitchen.

I rushed home that day and immediately got to work on making the Carrot Salad. I carefully peeled and grated the carrots, mixed them with the dressing of vinegar, sugar, and mustard, and let it marinate in the fridge for a few hours. When I finally tasted the finished dish, I was delighted at how closely it resembled Aunt Betty's version.

From that moment on, Carrot Salad became a staple in my own recipe collection. I would bring it to potlucks, family gatherings, and even made it just for myself to enjoy as a light and refreshing snack. Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe slightly, adding my own twist with a sprinkle of walnuts for some extra crunch.

As I continued to make Carrot Salad, I found myself incorporating it into my cooking repertoire more and more. It became a go-to side dish that was not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser. Friends and family would always ask for the recipe, and I would happily share it with them, just as Aunt Betty had done for me.

One day, while visiting a friend who was hosting a dinner party, I was asked to bring a dish to share. Without hesitation, I decided to bring my Carrot Salad. As I set the bowl down on the table, I noticed the intrigued looks from the other guests. They all seemed curious about this simple yet flavorful dish.

After everyone had taken a bite, the compliments started pouring in. They raved about the freshness of the carrots, the balance of flavors in the dressing, and the unexpected crunch of the walnuts. I smiled proudly, knowing that I had successfully shared a piece of my culinary heritage with those around me.

As the years went by, I continued to make Carrot Salad for every occasion. It became a tradition in my family, something that my grandchildren would always look forward to when they visited. They would watch me grate the carrots, mix the dressing, and patiently wait for it to chill in the fridge, eager to take their first bite.

Now, as I sit here reflecting on the journey that led me to discover the recipe for Carrot Salad, I am filled with gratitude. It is not just a dish to me, but a piece of my family's history that I have preserved and shared with those I love. And as I pass on the recipe to future generations, I know that it will continue to bring joy and nourishment to many more to come.