Curried Carrot Salad

Curried Carrot Salad Recipe from Zambia with White Vinegar and Raisins

Region / culture: Zambia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Curried Carrot Salad is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of carrots with the bold flavors of curry powder and spices. This salad is perfect for serving as a side dish or as a light and refreshing meal on its own.

History

The origins of Curried Carrot Salad are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in India, where curry powder is a staple spice blend used in many dishes. Over time, this recipe has evolved and been adapted in various ways to suit different tastes and preferences.

Ingredients

2 kg carrots
1 kg onions
1 liter white vinegar
800 g sugar
150 g seedless raisins
15 ml salt
5 ml whole cloves
5 ml black peppercorns
50 ml cornflour
50 ml curry powder

How to prepare

Peel and thinly slice the carrots.
Place the carrot slices in a pot and cover with water. Boil until they are just soft.
Peel the onions and cut them in half. Slice them thinly.
Pour boiling water over the onions and let them stand for 15 minutes. Then drain.
In a pot, combine the carrots, onions, white vinegar, sugar, raisins, salt, cloves, and black peppercorns. Bring the mixture to a boil.
In a separate bowl, mix the corn flour and curry powder with 250 ml (1 cup) of water.
Add the curry mixture to the pot with the carrots. Boil for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Spoon the hot curried carrots into clean, hot jars and seal them immediately.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch and texture.
Mix in some cooked chickpeas or lentils for added protein.
Experiment with different types of vinegar or sweeteners for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to slice the carrots thinly to ensure they cook evenly and are tender.

- Letting the onions stand in boiling water before adding them to the salad helps to mellow their flavor and texture.

- Adjust the amount of curry powder to suit your taste preferences – you can add more or less depending on how spicy you like it.

Serving Suggestions

Curried Carrot Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or as a topping for sandwiches or wraps. It also makes a great addition to a salad bar or buffet spread.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling, slicing, mixing, and sealing in jars.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use brown sugar or honey instead of white sugar.

- Substitute golden raisins or dried cranberries for the seedless raisins.

- Use apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar instead of white vinegar.

Make Ahead Tips

Curried Carrot Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will continue to develop and intensify over time.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Curried Carrot Salad in a glass jar or bowl for a colorful and appetizing presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of curry powder for an extra pop of flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Curried Carrot Salad pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. It also goes well with rice or quinoa for a more substantial meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Curried Carrot Salad in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Curried Carrot Salad contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Curried Carrot Salad contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Curried Carrot Salad contains approximately 1 gram of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Curried Carrot Salad contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Curried Carrot Salad is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

Curried Carrot Salad is a nutritious and low-calorie dish that is high in vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for those looking to add more vegetables to their diet.

Summary

Curried Carrot Salad is a versatile and flavorful dish that is easy to make and perfect for serving as a side dish or light meal. With its combination of sweet carrots, spicy curry powder, and aromatic spices, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. I was just a young girl, eager to learn the ways of the kitchen from my own grandmother. She was a magnificent cook, and I was always in awe of the delicious dishes she could create with just a few simple ingredients.

One summer day, as I watched her bustling around the kitchen, I noticed her pulling out a bag of carrots from the refrigerator. I asked her what she was planning to make, and she simply smiled and told me it was a secret family recipe for Curried Carrot Salad.

Intrigued, I eagerly offered to help her prepare the dish. She handed me a peeler and instructed me to start peeling the carrots while she gathered the rest of the ingredients. As I worked, I couldn't help but wonder what made this salad so special.

Once the carrots were peeled, my grandmother began to grate them into a large bowl. She then added a handful of raisins, some chopped walnuts, and a generous sprinkling of curry powder. As she mixed everything together, the fragrant aroma of the spices filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Finally, she drizzled in a simple dressing made from olive oil, vinegar, and a touch of honey. She gave the salad a final toss and then handed me a spoon to taste.

The flavors exploded on my tongue - the sweetness of the raisins, the crunch of the walnuts, and the warm spice of the curry all melded together perfectly. I was hooked from the first bite, and I knew that this recipe would become a family favorite for generations to come.

My grandmother chuckled at my enthusiasm and told me the story of how she had discovered the recipe herself. Many years ago, when she was just a young bride, she had attended a cooking class at a local community center. The instructor, a wise old woman with a twinkle in her eye, had shared the recipe for Curried Carrot Salad with the class.

My grandmother had been skeptical at first - carrots in a salad seemed like an odd combination to her. But as soon as she took her first bite, she was smitten. She had been making the salad ever since, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit her own tastes.

As I listened to her story, I realized that recipes are more than just a list of ingredients and instructions - they are a link to the past, a way to connect with those who came before us. And I felt grateful to be able to pass on this delicious recipe to future generations of my own.

Since that day, Curried Carrot Salad has become a staple at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday dinners. It always brings a smile to my face and a warmth to my heart, knowing that I am carrying on a tradition that started so many years ago.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, looking for a new dish to try, I encourage you to give this recipe a chance. You never know - it just might become a beloved favorite in your own family, passed down from generation to generation with love and laughter.