Latvian Salad

Latvian Salad Recipe - A Delicious and Healthy Dish

Region / culture: Latvia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Latvian Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines marinated tofu with crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, tangy olives, and zesty red onion. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

History

Latvian Salad is a popular dish in Latvia, a country known for its fresh and wholesome cuisine. This salad is a modern twist on traditional Latvian flavors, incorporating tofu as a protein source instead of the more traditional meat or fish.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) reduced fat regular tofu, rinsed and patted dry (press if time permits)

Marinade

2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
4 tsp olive oil
0.5 tsp dried basil leaves
0.5 tsp dried oregano leaves
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp garlic granules
0.25 tsp ground black pepper

Salad

4 cup romaine lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
1.5 cup cucumber, sliced horizontally and cut into half-moon shapes (peel if waxed or thick-skinned)
1 ripe medium tomato, cut in half and thinly sliced into half-moon shapes
0.33 cup whole black olives or Greek
0.25 cup chopped red onion

How to prepare

Cut the tofu into cubes measuring 0.75 inches, and place them in a wide, shallow ceramic or glass mixing bowl.
In a small measuring cup or mixing bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the marinade.
Pour the marinade over the tofu cubes, gently tossing them to ensure even coating.
Cover the bowl and marinate the tofu in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. (I highly recommend marinating for 18 to 24 hours, and stirring occasionally for even marination.)
Just before serving, prepare the salad ingredients and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Add the marinated tofu and its marinade to the salad ingredients, and toss gently but thoroughly.
Serve immediately, with salt and pepper on the side for seasoning according to taste.

Variations

Substitute the tofu with grilled chicken or shrimp for a non-vegetarian version.
Add crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese for extra flavor.
Mix in some cooked quinoa or couscous for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Pressing the tofu before marinating will help it absorb more flavor.

- Marinate the tofu for at least a few hours, but overnight is best for maximum flavor.

- Toss the salad ingredients gently to avoid crushing the tofu cubes.

- Serve the salad immediately after tossing to keep the lettuce crisp.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Latvian Salad as a light lunch or as a side dish with grilled vegetables or fish. It pairs well with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Cooking Techniques

Marinating the tofu is the key to this recipe. Make sure to marinate it for at least a few hours to allow the flavors to develop.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar for a sweeter flavor.

- Substitute Kalamata olives for black olives for a more Mediterranean twist.

- Use green leaf lettuce or spinach instead of romaine lettuce.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the tofu and prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time, but wait to toss everything together until just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Latvian Salad in a large salad bowl or on individual plates. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled vegetables, fish, or chicken. It also goes well with a side of crusty bread or a light soup.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The tofu may lose some of its crispness upon reheating, so it's best to enjoy this salad fresh.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 200 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 12g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 50% of daily value per serving

Vitamin C: 30% of daily value per serving

Iron: 15% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains soy

Summary

Latvian Salad is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and vitamins. It is a great option for vegetarians and vegans looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Summary

Latvian Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish. With its marinated tofu, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and tangy olives, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next meal. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of awe. It was handed down to me by my dear friend Agnes, who hailed from Latvia. She had shared many delicious recipes with me over the years, but this one stood out in particular. It was a salad unlike any I had ever seen before, with a unique blend of flavors and textures that intrigued me.

Agnes had learned to make this salad from her own grandmother, who had brought the recipe with her when she immigrated to America many years ago. The ingredients were simple, yet the combination was truly magical. I knew I had to learn how to make this salad myself and carry on the tradition.

Agnes invited me over to her house one afternoon to teach me how to make the Latvian Salad. As we gathered the ingredients and prepared to start cooking, she began to tell me the story behind the recipe.

She explained that the salad was a traditional dish in Latvia, often served at special occasions and celebrations. It was a symbol of abundance and prosperity, made with fresh, seasonal vegetables and herbs. Each ingredient was carefully chosen for its flavor and nutritional value, creating a dish that was both delicious and nourishing.

As we chopped the cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers, Agnes shared memories of her childhood in Latvia. She described the long summer days spent in the garden, picking vegetables with her grandmother and learning the art of cooking from a young age. The recipe held a special place in her heart, connecting her to her roots and her family history.

As we mixed the vegetables together with a generous amount of sour cream and dill, the salad began to take shape. The colors and aromas filled the kitchen, creating a sense of warmth and comfort. Agnes smiled as she tasted the final dish, nodding in approval.

"Remember, my dear," she said, handing me a taste of the salad. "This recipe is more than just food. It is a piece of my heritage, a reminder of where I come from. I hope you will cherish it as much as I do."

I savored the taste of the Latvian Salad, savoring each bite and feeling a sense of connection to Agnes and her family. The flavors were fresh and bright, with a hint of tanginess from the sour cream and a kick of freshness from the dill. It was a dish that spoke of tradition and love, passed down through generations.

I thanked Agnes for teaching me the recipe and promised to carry on the tradition in my own kitchen. As I left her house that day, I knew that I had gained more than just a new dish to add to my repertoire. I had gained a deeper understanding of the power of food to connect us to our past and our loved ones.

Since that day, the Latvian Salad has become a regular feature at family gatherings and potlucks. I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, spreading the joy of this traditional dish to all who taste it. Each time I make the salad, I think of Agnes and her grandmother, and the love and care they put into every ingredient.

The recipe may have originated in Latvia, but it has found a new home in my kitchen and in the hearts of all who enjoy it. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to tell stories, and to create memories that last a lifetime. And for that, I am forever grateful to Agnes and her family for sharing this special recipe with me.