Persian Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Introduction

History

This traditional Persian salad has been enjoyed for centuries in Iran and other Middle Eastern countries. It is a simple yet flavorful dish that showcases the fresh and vibrant flavors of the region.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to finely chop the vegetables to ensure that each bite is full of flavor.

- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.

- For a more traditional flavor, use Persian cucumbers instead of Kirby cucumbers.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is delicious on its own as a side dish, or you can serve it with grilled meat or fish for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

This salad requires no cooking, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use red onion instead of white onion for a milder flavor.

- Substitute red wine vinegar for lemon juice if desired.

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 add the salt and olive oil right before serving to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this salad in a large bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, kebabs, or rice dishes.

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

Each serving of this salad contains approximately 80 calories.

Carbohydrates

This salad is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those looking to reduce their carb intake.

Fats

The olive oil in this salad provides healthy fats that are essential for a balanced diet.

Proteins

While this salad is not high in protein, you can easily add grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a more substantial meal.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for those with food allergies or sensitivities.

Summary

Overall, this Persian Tomato and Cucumber Salad is a healthy and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal.

Summary

This Persian Tomato and Cucumber Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. Packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and tangy lemon juice, this salad is a healthy and delicious option for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a hot summer day and I was visiting my friend Maryam, who had just returned from a trip to Iran. As we sat in her kitchen catching up, she started preparing a simple yet beautiful dish - Persian Tomato and Cucumber Salad.

I watched in awe as Maryam effortlessly chopped vibrant red tomatoes and crisp cucumbers into perfect bite-sized pieces. She added thinly sliced red onions and fragrant mint leaves to the mix, creating a colorful and refreshing salad that looked almost too good to eat. But when she drizzled it with a tangy dressing made of olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of sumac, I knew I had to try it.

As I took my first bite of the salad, I was transported to a sunny garden in Iran, surrounded by the sights and smells of a bustling bazaar. The flavors were bright and zesty, with the perfect balance of acidity and freshness. I could taste the love and care that Maryam had put into each ingredient, and I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

Over the years, I have collected recipes from various places and people, but there was something special about this Persian Tomato and Cucumber Salad that made it stand out. It wasn't just a dish - it was a memory, a connection to a culture and a tradition that I had never experienced before. And so, I set out on a mission to learn the secrets behind this delicious salad.

I reached out to Maryam and asked her to teach me how to make the salad. She graciously invited me over to her home and we spent a sunny afternoon in her kitchen, chopping, mixing, and tasting our way through the recipe. Maryam explained that the key to a great Persian Tomato and Cucumber Salad was in the quality of the ingredients - fresh, ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and flavorful herbs.

As we worked together, Maryam shared stories of her time in Iran, of the bustling markets and the warm hospitality of the people. She told me about the importance of food in Persian culture, how every meal was a celebration of life and love. And as we sat down to enjoy the salad together, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to learn from such a talented cook and generous friend.

Since that day, I have made Persian Tomato and Cucumber Salad countless times, each batch reminding me of the sunny afternoon I spent with Maryam in her kitchen. I have experimented with different variations, adding feta cheese or olives for a Mediterranean twist, or spicy jalapenos for a kick of heat. But no matter how I choose to personalize the recipe, the essence of the dish remains the same - a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors that bring joy to the table.

As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of Persian Tomato and Cucumber Salad with my family, I am filled with a sense of connection to a culture that is not my own, but one that I have come to love and respect. Food has a way of bridging gaps and building relationships, and this simple salad has become a symbol of the friendships and memories that I have collected over the years.

So, the next time you find yourself in need of a refreshing and flavorful dish, I urge you to try your hand at making Persian Tomato and Cucumber Salad. Let the bright colors and bold flavors transport you to a sunny garden in Iran, where the air is filled with the scent of fresh herbs and the sound of laughter. And as you take your first bite, remember that food is not just sustenance - it is a connection to the world around us, a reminder of the beauty and diversity that exists in every corner of the globe.

Categories

| Cucumber Recipes | Cucumber Salad Recipes | Persian Recipes | Persian Salads | Salad Recipes |

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