Chef Kurt Linsi's Queen of Sheba Salad

Chef Kurt Linsi's Queen of Sheba Salad Recipe - Ethiopian Cuisine

Region / culture: Ethiopia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chef Kurt Linsi's Queen of Sheba Salad is a flavorful and vibrant dish that is sure to impress your guests. This salad is a perfect combination of fresh tomatoes, sweet onions, garlic, hot chili pepper, and optional pepperoni, all marinated in a delicious Sheba sauce.

History

This recipe is inspired by the traditional Ethiopian cuisine, known for its bold flavors and unique ingredients. The Queen of Sheba Salad is a modern twist on classic Ethiopian dishes, combining traditional flavors with a contemporary presentation.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) firm tomatoes, cut into small wedges with seeds removed
0.5 cup sweet onions, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 hot chili pepper, finely chopped
0.5 cup pepperoni, thinly sliced (optional)

Sheba Sauce

1 cup ketchup
0.25 cup vinegar
0.5 cup oil
0.5 cup sweet white wine (Muscatel or madeira)
1 tsp worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper
a few drops of tabasco sauce

How to prepare

In a 1 qt (946 ml) bowl, combine the first five (5) ingredients

Sheba Sauce

Combine all the sauce ingredients

Salad

Marinate the tomato mixture in the sauce. Serve in sauce dishes without lettuce or drain well and place in the center of the Injera.

Variations

Add diced cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch.
Substitute the pepperoni with cooked chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Drizzle with a balsamic glaze for a tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to remove the seeds from the tomatoes to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.

- Adjust the amount of hot chili pepper and tabasco sauce according to your spice preference.

- For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni and add your favorite vegetables or protein alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Queen of Sheba Salad as a side dish with grilled meat or fish, or enjoy it as a light lunch on its own.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the tomato mixture in the Sheba sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use cherry tomatoes instead of firm tomatoes for a sweeter flavor.

- Substitute white vinegar for the sweet madeira if unavailable.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the tomato mixture and Sheba sauce ahead of time and combine them just before serving for maximum freshness.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Queen of Sheba Salad in individual bowls or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this salad with a crisp white wine or a refreshing beer to complement the bold flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 20g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 5g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the optional pepperoni. It may also contain sulfites from the sweet madeira.

Summary

The Queen of Sheba Salad is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal.

Summary

Chef Kurt Linsi's Queen of Sheba Salad is a delicious and colorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its bold flavors and fresh ingredients, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Chef Kurt Linsi's Queen of Sheba Salad. It was many years ago when I was browsing through a local farmers market in the quaint little town of Linsi, where Chef Kurt himself had a stall showcasing his culinary creations.

As I approached his stall, I was immediately drawn to the vibrant colors and enticing aromas emanating from the array of salads and dishes on display. Chef Kurt was a tall, handsome man with a warm smile and a twinkle in his eye. He greeted me warmly and began to tell me about the inspiration behind his Queen of Sheba Salad.

He explained that the salad was a tribute to the legendary Queen of Sheba, known for her exquisite taste and love for exotic flavors. Chef Kurt had spent years perfecting the recipe, combining fresh, seasonal ingredients with a secret blend of spices and herbs that he had learned during his travels around the world.

Intrigued by his story, I asked Chef Kurt if he would be willing to share the recipe with me. He hesitated for a moment, as if pondering my request, before finally nodding and handing me a handwritten copy of the recipe on a small piece of parchment paper.

I thanked Chef Kurt profusely and promised to do justice to his creation. As I walked away from his stall, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation, eager to recreate the Queen of Sheba Salad in my own kitchen.

Back at home, I carefully read through the recipe, taking note of each ingredient and step. The list was long and detailed, with a mix of familiar and unfamiliar ingredients. I made a mental note to visit the local farmers market to procure the freshest produce and spices needed for the salad.

The next day, armed with my shopping list, I set off to gather the ingredients for the Queen of Sheba Salad. As I wandered through the bustling market, I could almost taste the exotic flavors of Chef Kurt's creation in my mind.

I picked out ripe, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, fragrant herbs, and a variety of spices from the stalls. Each ingredient was carefully selected, with the same care and attention to detail that Chef Kurt had put into his recipe.

Once back home, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. I chopped, diced, and mixed the ingredients together, following Chef Kurt's instructions to the letter. The kitchen was filled with the tantalizing scents of fresh herbs and spices, transporting me to far-off lands with each whiff.

As I assembled the salad, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. The vibrant colors and exotic flavors of the Queen of Sheba Salad looked just like Chef Kurt's creation, a true work of art on a plate.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived as I took a bite of the salad. The explosion of flavors and textures in my mouth was nothing short of magical. The sweet and tangy dressing paired perfectly with the crunchy vegetables and aromatic herbs, creating a symphony of taste that danced on my palate.

I closed my eyes and savored each mouthful, feeling grateful for the serendipitous encounter with Chef Kurt and his Queen of Sheba Salad. The recipe had not only brought a new dish into my culinary repertoire but had also opened my eyes to the beauty and richness of different cultures through food.

From that day on, the Queen of Sheba Salad became a staple in my kitchen, a reminder of the magical moment when I stumbled upon a culinary masterpiece that would forever hold a special place in my heart. And to this day, whenever I make the salad, I can't help but think of Chef Kurt and the wonderful memory of how I came to learn his recipe.