Persian Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Introduction

History

This salad has its roots in Persian cuisine, where fresh and seasonal ingredients are often used to create simple yet delicious dishes. Cucumbers and tomatoes are commonly found in Persian cooking, and this salad is a perfect example of how these ingredients can be combined to create a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to peel the cucumbers before dicing them to remove any bitterness from the skin.

- For a more intense flavor, you can add a clove of minced garlic to the dressing.

- This salad is best served chilled, so be sure to refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is delicious on its own as a light lunch or side dish. It can also be served alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

This salad requires no cooking, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare. Simply chop the ingredients, whisk together the dressing, and toss everything together in a bowl.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have parsley on hand, you can use cilantro or mint instead. You can also substitute the lemon juice with red wine vinegar for a different 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 toss it with the dressing right before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this salad in a large bowl or on a platter garnished with extra parsley or a sprinkle of sumac for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, such as chicken or lamb, as well as with rice pilaf or flatbread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this salad contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

This salad is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb diet. Each serving contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The main source of fat in this salad comes from the olive oil in the dressing. Each serving contains approximately 7 grams of fat.

Proteins

This salad is a good source of protein, with each serving containing approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten. However, if you have specific allergies, be sure to check the ingredients for any potential allergens.

Summary

Overall, this Persian Cucumber and Tomato Salad is a healthy and nutritious dish that is low in carbohydrates and calories. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals and can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

This Persian Cucumber and Tomato Salad is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. With its fresh ingredients and flavorful dressing, it is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Persian Cucumber and Tomato Salad. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, and my family had just moved to a new town. Our neighbors, the Alis, were a kind and welcoming family who had recently moved to the United States from Iran. Mrs. Ali was a wonderful cook, and she often invited me over to learn how to make traditional Persian dishes.

One sunny afternoon, Mrs. Ali showed me how to make the cucumber and tomato salad. She explained that it was a simple yet delicious dish that was perfect for hot summer days. As she chopped the fresh cucumbers and ripe tomatoes, she told me stories of her own childhood in Iran, where her mother and grandmother had taught her how to cook.

I watched in awe as Mrs. Ali combined the vegetables with fragrant herbs, tangy lemon juice, and rich olive oil. The colors and smells of the ingredients mingled together, creating a mouthwatering aroma that made my stomach growl in anticipation. Mrs. Ali smiled at my enthusiasm and encouraged me to try a bite. The salad was crisp, refreshing, and bursting with flavor - a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy.

From that day on, I was hooked. I begged Mrs. Ali to teach me more recipes from her homeland, and she graciously agreed. Over the years, I learned how to make Persian rice pilaf, saffron chicken kebabs, and fragrant rosewater desserts. Each dish was a labor of love, and my family and friends marveled at the exotic flavors and intricate spices that I had mastered.

As I grew older, I continued to experiment with the recipes that Mrs. Ali had taught me. I added my own twists and variations, incorporating local ingredients and modern cooking techniques. Yet, no matter how much I tweaked the dishes, the memories of Mrs. Ali's kitchen and the lessons she had imparted stayed with me.

Now, as a grandmother myself, I take pride in passing down the tradition of Persian cooking to my own grandchildren. I gather them around the kitchen table, just as Mrs. Ali had done with me all those years ago, and teach them the art of preparing simple yet delicious dishes like the cucumber and tomato salad.

I show them how to carefully select the freshest produce, how to balance flavors and textures, and how to infuse each dish with love and care. I tell them stories of my own adventures in the kitchen, of the mistakes I made and the triumphs I celebrated, and I watch as their eyes light up with wonder and excitement.

As we sit down to enjoy our meal together, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the culinary heritage that has been passed down through generations. The flavors of the cucumber and tomato salad transport me back to that sunny afternoon in Mrs. Ali's kitchen, where I first discovered the magic of Persian cuisine.

And as I look around at my family, laughing and sharing stories over plates of delicious food, I know that the tradition will continue to live on - a timeless reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.

Categories

| Cucumber Recipes | Persian Recipes | Vegetarian Recipes |

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