Mixed Salad with Bangla Touch

Mixed Salad with Bangla Touch Recipe from Bangladesh

Region / culture: Bangladesh | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

This Mixed Salad with Bangla Touch is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of corn with the tanginess of tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. The addition of lime juice and rice vinegar adds a zesty kick to the salad, making it a perfect side dish or light meal.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Bangladeshi cuisine, which often incorporates fresh vegetables and herbs to create vibrant and delicious dishes. The combination of corn, tomatoes, and onions is a common one in Bangladeshi cooking, and the addition of lime juice and rice vinegar adds a modern twist to this classic flavor profile.

Ingredients

3 cans of whole corn
2 large tomatoes, diced
1 large sweet onion, cut into thin strips
4 green onions, chopped
1 bunch of cilantro leaves, minced into tiny strips
2 limes, juiced
0.33 cup of rice vinegar
salt to taste

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine corn, tomatoes, sweet onion, green onion, and cilantro.
Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and mix in.
Stir in rice vinegar to taste; the amount you use will depend on the sweetness of the corn and the acidity of the lime.
Season with kosher salt.
Cover and chill for 45 minutes to an hour.
Stir before serving.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch.
Mix in cooked quinoa or chickpeas for added protein.
Drizzle with olive oil or tahini for a creamy dressing.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.

- Adjust the amount of lime juice and rice vinegar to suit your taste preferences.

- Chill the salad for at least 45 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Stir the salad before serving to ensure that the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing meal. It pairs well with a side of rice or naan bread.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to chop the vegetables into small, uniform pieces for a consistent texture.

- Use a sharp knife to mince the cilantro leaves finely.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use frozen corn kernels instead of canned corn.

- Substitute lemon juice for lime juice if desired.

- Use red onion instead of sweet onion for a stronger flavor.

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 stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salad in a large bowl or on a platter garnished with extra cilantro leaves for a pop of color. You can also sprinkle with a pinch of chili powder for a spicy kick.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or tofu. It also complements dishes like biryani or curry.

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

150

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 32g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 8g

Fats

- Total Fat: 1g

- Saturated Fat: 0g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 3g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10% DV

- Vitamin C: 20% DV

- Calcium: 2% DV

- Iron: 4% DV

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free.

Summary

This Mixed Salad with Bangla Touch is a low-calorie, nutrient-rich dish that is high in fiber and vitamins. It is a healthy and delicious option for those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet.

Summary

This Mixed Salad with Bangla Touch is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and full of fresh flavors. With a combination of sweet corn, tangy tomatoes, and zesty lime juice, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next meal. Enjoy it as a side dish or light meal for a healthy and satisfying option.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Mixed Salad with a Bangla Touch. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Farida in Bangladesh. Farida was known for her delicious and unique dishes, so when she mentioned she had a special salad recipe to share with me, I couldn't wait to learn more.

Farida took me to the local market to gather ingredients for the salad. We picked out fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, along with some spices and herbs that I had never seen before. As we walked through the bustling market, Farida explained to me the importance of using the freshest ingredients and how each one played a crucial role in the flavor of the salad.

Back at her home, Farida began to show me how to prepare the salad. She started by slicing the cucumbers and tomatoes into thin rounds, then finely chopped the onions and cilantro. She then mixed them all together in a large bowl and added a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of freshness.

Next, Farida showed me how to make the dressing for the salad. She combined yogurt, mustard oil, cumin seeds, and a touch of sugar in a small bowl, whisking it all together until it formed a creamy and tangy dressing. She poured the dressing over the salad and gently tossed everything together, making sure each piece was coated in the flavorful dressing.

Finally, Farida added a sprinkle of roasted peanuts and dried fruit to the salad, giving it a unique Bangla touch that I had never experienced before. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the crunch of the peanuts, created a perfect balance that was both refreshing and satisfying.

As we sat down to enjoy the salad together, Farida shared with me the story behind the recipe. She explained that the salad was a traditional dish in Bangladesh, often served at celebrations and gatherings. The mix of flavors and textures was meant to represent the diversity and richness of Bangladeshi cuisine, showcasing the country's vibrant food culture.

I was truly amazed by the complexity and depth of flavors in the salad, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself. Farida graciously wrote down the recipe for me, along with detailed instructions on how to prepare it. I thanked her for sharing this special recipe with me and promised to make it for my family and friends back home.

When I returned from Bangladesh, I wasted no time in recreating the Mixed Salad with a Bangla Touch in my own kitchen. I followed Farida's instructions carefully, making sure to use the freshest ingredients and to pay close attention to the flavors and textures of each component.

As I mixed the salad together and added the dressing, I could almost hear Farida's voice guiding me through each step. The aroma of the cumin seeds and mustard oil filled the air, transporting me back to that warm summer day in Bangladesh.

When I finally sat down to enjoy the salad, I was filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. The flavors were just as vibrant and delicious as I remembered, and I knew that I had truly mastered the recipe for Mixed Salad with a Bangla Touch.

Since then, I have shared this recipe with my family and friends, passing down the tradition and flavors of Bangladeshi cuisine to the next generation. Every time I make this salad, I am reminded of my dear friend Farida and the special bond we share through food and cooking.

I am grateful for the opportunity to learn this recipe and to experience a taste of Bangladesh in my own home. It has truly enriched my culinary repertoire and brought me closer to a culture and cuisine that holds a special place in my heart. The Mixed Salad with a Bangla Touch will always hold a special place in my recipe collection, a reminder of the joy and connection that food can bring to our lives.