Hungarian-style Tomato Salad

Hungarian-style Tomato Salad Recipe - A Fresh and Flavorful Dish from Hungary

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

Introduction

Hungarian-style Tomato Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for summer. This salad is made with fresh tomatoes, cucumber, green peppers, onions, and a tangy dressing. It is a great side dish to accompany grilled meats or as a light and healthy meal on its own.

History

This recipe has its origins in Hungary, where fresh vegetables are abundant and often used in traditional dishes. The combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers is a classic one in Hungarian cuisine, and this salad is a popular choice during the summer months when these vegetables are at their peak.

Ingredients

3 or 4 large juicy fresh tomatoes
1 cucumber, peeled, scored with a fork, and thick sliced
2 banana peppers, sliced, or 1 green pepper, seeded and chopped
0.13 cup of chopped Italian flat leaf parsley
1 small onion, peeled and thinly sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
3 tbsp of vinegar
1 tsp of sugar
6 tbsp of oil
salt and pepper

How to prepare

Slice the tomatoes and place them in a salad bowl.
Peel the cucumber, score it lengthwise, and slice it.
Slice the banana peppers or chop the seeded green pepper.
Add the chopped parsley or dill, sliced onion, and minced clove, and toss them together.
Add vinegar, sugar, and oil to the bowl.
Toss again, taste, and adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper if needed.
Let the mixture sit for 0.5 hour to allow the flavors to mingle.

Variations

Add feta cheese or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
Use red or yellow peppers instead of green for a different flavor.
Add fresh herbs like dill or basil for extra freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.

- Score the cucumber with a fork before slicing to create a decorative edge.

- Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a side dish with grilled meats, or as a light and refreshing meal on its own. It pairs well with crusty bread or as a topping for grilled fish.

Cooking Techniques

Slice the tomatoes and cucumbers evenly for a uniform salad.

- Toss the salad gently to avoid crushing the vegetables.

- Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use red wine vinegar or lemon juice instead of white vinegar.

- Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.

- Use any type of oil you prefer, such as olive oil or avocado oil.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salad in a decorative bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs. You can also add a sprinkle of paprika or smoked salt for extra flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or poultry. It also goes well with crusty bread or as a topping for sandwiches.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This salad is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 180 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 9g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 14g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 2g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 30% of daily value per serving

Vitamin A: 15% of daily value per serving

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free. It may contain traces of nuts.

Summary

This Hungarian-style Tomato Salad is a healthy and nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. It is a great source of vitamin C and vitamin A, and is a good source of fiber.

Summary

Hungarian-style Tomato Salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for summer. Made with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, this salad is packed with flavor and nutrients. Serve it as a side dish or as a light and refreshing meal on its own. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first saw this recipe for Hungarian-style Tomato Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria, who was a wonderful cook. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I could smell the delicious aromas of garlic and paprika wafting through the air.

Maria greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, and then she handed me a bowl of her famous tomato salad. The colors were vibrant, with red tomatoes, green peppers, and white onions all mixed together in a tangy dressing. I took a bite and was instantly hooked.

"Maria, this is incredible! How did you make it?" I asked, eager to learn the secret behind this mouth-watering dish.

Maria chuckled and motioned for me to sit at the kitchen table. She then proceeded to tell me the story of how she learned to make Hungarian-style Tomato Salad.

"It all started when I was a young girl," Maria began. "My grandmother used to make this salad for special occasions, like birthdays and holidays. She learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who was Hungarian. The secret to this dish is in the dressing – it's a simple mix of vinegar, sugar, garlic, and paprika that really brings out the flavors of the tomatoes and peppers."

Maria's eyes sparkled with nostalgia as she recounted the memories of her grandmother's kitchen, filled with the scents of fresh herbs and spices. She explained how her grandmother would carefully slice the tomatoes and peppers, making sure each piece was uniform in size. She would then mix them together with the dressing, allowing the flavors to meld together for a few hours before serving.

As Maria spoke, I could feel my mouth watering in anticipation of making this salad myself. I asked her if she could teach me how to make it, and she happily agreed.

We spent the rest of the afternoon in Maria's kitchen, chopping vegetables, mixing dressing, and sharing stories of our families. Maria showed me how to season the salad just right, tasting it along the way to make sure the flavors were balanced.

Finally, after a few hours of preparation, we sat down at the table and dug into the salad. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the sweetness of the tomatoes, the crunch of the peppers, and the tang of the dressing all came together in perfect harmony. I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe.

From that day on, Hungarian-style Tomato Salad became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and just as a simple side dish for dinner. Each time I made it, I would think back to that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen, learning the recipe from a dear friend.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, preparing this salad for my own grandchildren, I can't help but smile. The tradition lives on, passed down from generation to generation, just like the flavors of this delicious dish. And I know that one day, my grandchildren will be telling stories of how they learned to make Hungarian-style Tomato Salad from their grandmother – me.