Salatet Zabady bil Ajur

Salatet Zabady bil Ajur Recipe - Yogurt and Cucumber Salad from Sudan

Region / culture: Sudan | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Salatet Zabady bil Ajur is a refreshing and creamy Middle Eastern salad made with yogurt, cucumber, and garlic. This dish is perfect for hot summer days or as a side dish to a main meal.

History

Salatet Zabady bil Ajur has its origins in the Middle East, where yogurt and cucumbers are staple ingredients in many dishes. This salad is a popular choice for its cooling properties and delicious flavor.

Ingredients

2 cups (16 oz / 500 g) of plain yogurt
1 clove of garlic, finely minced
1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and shredded or finely diced
salt and freshly ground pepper

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine all the ingredients. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2 – 4 hours.
At serving time, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve immediately.

Variations

Add chopped fresh mint or dill for a burst of flavor.
Mix in some chopped tomatoes or red onions for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the excess liquid from the cucumber before adding it to the yogurt to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.

- For a stronger garlic flavor, let the minced garlic sit for a few minutes before mixing it with the other ingredients.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more pepper or salt if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Salatet Zabady bil Ajur as a side dish with grilled meats or as a topping for falafel or kebabs.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe requires no cooking, simply mix the ingredients together and refrigerate before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Greek yogurt can be used instead of plain yogurt for a thicker consistency.

- Lemon juice can be used instead of garlic for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with a sprinkle of paprika or a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Salatet Zabady bil Ajur with pita bread, hummus, and tabbouleh for a complete Middle Eastern meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 120 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 10g per serving

Fats

Fats: 5g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 8g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of calcium, vitamin C, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (yogurt).

Summary

Salatet Zabady bil Ajur is a nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in protein and calcium.

Summary

Salatet Zabady bil Ajur is a simple and delicious Middle Eastern salad that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. Enjoy the creamy yogurt, crunchy cucumber, and zesty garlic flavors in every bite.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Salatet Zabady bil Ajur. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, with a vast collection of recipes from all over the world. This particular recipe, she told me, came from her dear friend who had traveled to the Middle East and brought back this delicious salad recipe.

As she showed me the ingredients and explained the steps, I was captivated by the exotic flavors and the vibrant colors of the dish. The creamy yogurt mixed with the crisp cucumbers and fresh herbs created a tantalizing combination that I had never experienced before. I watched closely as my grandmother expertly chopped the vegetables and mixed them together with the yogurt and spices, her hands moving with grace and precision.

I asked her how she had learned to make this dish, and she told me stories of her own travels and adventures in the kitchen. She had always been curious about different cuisines and had a natural talent for recreating dishes she had tasted. Over the years, she had gathered a treasure trove of recipes from friends, family, and even strangers she had met along the way.

One of her favorite things to do was to host dinner parties and share her culinary creations with others. She loved to see the joy on people's faces as they tasted her food and marveled at the flavors she had infused into each dish. For her, cooking was not just about nourishing the body, but also about nourishing the soul and creating memories with loved ones.

I was fortunate enough to be her apprentice in the kitchen, learning the secrets of her cooking and absorbing the wisdom she had gained over a lifetime of culinary adventures. With each dish we made together, I felt a deeper connection to her and to the rich tapestry of flavors and traditions that she had passed down to me.

As I grew older and ventured out on my own, I carried her recipes and her spirit of generosity with me wherever I went. I continued to explore new cuisines and learn new techniques, but I always returned to the familiar flavors of my grandmother's kitchen. Salatet Zabady bil Ajur became a staple in my own repertoire, a dish that never failed to impress and delight those who tasted it.

Now, as I look back on those days spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons she taught me and the memories we created together. Her love of cooking and sharing food with others has inspired me to continue her legacy and pass on her recipes to future generations.

And so, whenever I make Salatet Zabady bil Ajur, I am reminded of the sense of wonder and magic that I felt when I first learned to make this dish. It is a reminder of the bond between generations, the joy of discovery, and the simple pleasures of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.