Egyptian Tomato Salad

Introduction

History

Tomato salads have been a staple in Egyptian cuisine for centuries. Tomatoes are a popular ingredient in Egyptian cooking, and this salad is a simple yet delicious way to showcase their fresh and vibrant flavor. The addition of lemon juice, chili pepper, and parsley adds a zesty and herbaceous kick to the dish, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.

- Adjust the amount of chili pepper to suit your taste preferences.

- For a milder flavor, remove the seeds from the chili pepper before mincing.

- Use fresh parsley for the best flavor, and be sure to finely mince it before adding it to the salad.

- Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste, or refrigerate it for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is delicious on its own as a light lunch or as a side dish for grilled meats or fish. Serve it alongside some crusty bread or pita for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe requires no cooking, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare. Simply chop the tomatoes, mince the chili pepper and parsley, and toss everything together in a bowl.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use lime juice instead of lemon juice for a slightly different flavor.

- Substitute cilantro for parsley for a more herbaceous taste.

- Use sun-dried tomatoes in place of fresh tomatoes for a more intense flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 hours before serving. Just be sure to give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the flavors.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this salad in a large bowl or on a platter garnished with extra parsley leaves for a beautiful presentation. You can also sprinkle some black pepper on top for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This Egyptian Tomato Salad pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or kebabs. Serve it alongside some rice or couscous for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This salad is best served fresh, so it's not recommended to reheat it.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Egyptian Tomato Salad contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Egyptian Tomato Salad contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this Egyptian Tomato Salad contains approximately 7 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this Egyptian Tomato Salad contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free.

Summary

This Egyptian Tomato Salad is a healthy and flavorful dish that is low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This Egyptian Tomato Salad is a simple yet delicious dish that highlights the fresh and vibrant flavors of tomatoes. With a zesty kick from lemon juice and chili pepper, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy it as a light lunch or as a side dish for a larger meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Egyptian Tomato Salad. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl, eager to learn all I could about the art of cooking. My grandmother, who was a wonderful cook herself, had a friend who had just returned from a trip to Egypt and she brought back this recipe as a souvenir.

I remember watching intently as my grandmother’s friend described the flavors and ingredients that made up this exotic dish. Tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and a blend of spices that I had never heard of before. It sounded like a taste sensation unlike anything I had ever experienced.

As soon as I got home, I begged my grandmother to teach me how to make this Egyptian Tomato Salad. She chuckled at my enthusiasm but gladly agreed to show me the ropes. We gathered the ingredients and got to work in the kitchen, my grandmother patiently guiding me through each step of the process.

First, we diced up the ripe, juicy tomatoes and placed them in a bowl. The vibrant red color of the tomatoes was already making my mouth water. Next, we chopped up some crisp, fresh cucumbers and added them to the mix. The contrast of colors and textures was already creating a beautiful dish.

Then came the onions. My eyes watered as I sliced them up, but the pungent aroma of the onions mingling with the sweetness of the tomatoes and cucumbers was a tantalizing combination. We added the onions to the bowl and gently tossed everything together.

Finally, it was time to add the spices. My grandmother carefully measured out a blend of cumin, coriander, and paprika, along with a squeeze of lemon juice for a hint of acidity. As she sprinkled the spices over the salad, the fragrant aroma filled the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

After a final toss to ensure that all the ingredients were evenly coated in the spices, we let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The colors of the ingredients had deepened, creating a visually stunning dish that looked almost too good to eat.

But of course, we couldn’t resist. We each took a spoonful of the salad and savored the explosion of flavors in our mouths. The tangy tomatoes, the crunchy cucumbers, the sharp bite of the onions, and the warm spices all came together in perfect harmony. It was a taste sensation unlike anything I had ever experienced, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my cooking repertoire.

From that day on, I made Egyptian Tomato Salad whenever I wanted to transport myself back to that moment in my grandmother’s kitchen, learning a new recipe and experiencing the joy of creating something delicious from simple, fresh ingredients. And every time I make this salad, I remember the sense of amazement and wonder that I felt when I first saw the recipe, and I am grateful to my grandmother for passing on her love of cooking to me.

Categories

| Chile Pepper Recipes | Cilantro Recipes | Egyptian Recipes | Egyptian Salads | Healthy Recipes For Diabetic Friends | Lemon Juice Recipes | Parsley Recipes | Tomato Recipes |

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