Tomato and Coriander Salad (Banadura Salata B' Kizbara)
Tomato and Coriander Salad (Banadura Salata B' Kizbara) Recipe from Yemen
Introduction
Tomato and Coriander Salad, also known as Banadura Salata B' Kizbara, is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. This salad combines the juicy sweetness of ripe tomatoes with the fresh and citrusy flavor of coriander leaves, creating a delicious and vibrant dish that is sure to please your taste buds.
History
This traditional Middle Eastern salad has been enjoyed for generations as a simple and delicious side dish or appetizer. The combination of tomatoes and coriander is a classic pairing that is popular in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup of chopped fresh coriander leaves
- 1 small hot chili pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 5 medium ripe tomatoes, peeled
- 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 0.25 cup virgin olive oil
- salt
How to prepare
- Slice the peeled tomatoes and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle the chopped coriander over the tomatoes. Mix the chopped chili pepper with the lemon juice and 1 tsp of salt. Beat the olive oil into the chili-lemon juice mixture. Pour the mixture over the tomatoes and coriander. Let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Variations
- You can customize this salad by adding other ingredients such as diced cucumbers, red onions, or feta cheese. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
When preparing this salad, be sure to use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and texture. You can also adjust the amount of chili pepper to suit your taste preferences – add more for a spicier kick or omit it altogether for a milder flavor. Be sure to let the salad rest for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect as a side dish for grilled meats or fish, or as a light and refreshing appetizer. Serve it alongside some crusty bread or pita for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
This salad requires minimal cooking – simply chop the ingredients and mix them together. The key is to let the flavors meld together by allowing the salad to rest before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have fresh coriander, you can use parsley or mint as a substitute. You can also use lime juice instead of lemon juice for a slightly different flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the salad up to a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the flavors.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the salad in a decorative bowl or platter and garnish with a sprig of fresh coriander for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
This salad pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or kebabs. It also goes well with other Middle Eastern dishes such as hummus, tabbouleh, or falafel.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to give it a good stir before serving to refresh the flavors.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Tomato and Coriander Salad contains approximately 180 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Tomato and Coriander Salad contains approximately 8 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Tomato and Coriander Salad contains approximately 14 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Tomato and Coriander Salad contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.
Alergens
This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free. However, if you have a sensitivity to chili peppers or coriander, you may need to omit or substitute these ingredients.
Summary
Tomato and Coriander Salad is a healthy and nutritious dish that is low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Tomato and Coriander Salad is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. With its vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something special. It was a warm summer day, and I had just returned from a trip to the market where I picked up some fresh tomatoes and coriander. As I was unpacking my groceries, I stumbled upon a faded and tattered recipe card tucked away in the corner of my recipe box. It was written in a delicate, looping script that I immediately recognized as my grandmother's.
I sat down at my kitchen table and carefully read through the recipe. The ingredients were simple - ripe tomatoes, fragrant coriander, tangy lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. But it was the method that intrigued me the most. My grandmother had noted that the tomatoes should be sliced thinly and arranged in a concentric circle on a platter, sprinkled with chopped coriander and drizzled with the lemon juice and olive oil. It seemed like such a unique and elegant way to serve a salad.
I remembered my grandmother making this salad for family gatherings when I was a child. She would carefully arrange the tomatoes on a platter, her hands moving with a grace and precision that seemed almost magical to me. The salad was always a hit, with its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, and I could still remember the taste of it on my tongue.
As I read through the recipe, memories of my grandmother flooded back to me. She was a wonderful cook, always experimenting with new flavors and techniques. She had a knack for taking simple ingredients and turning them into something extraordinary. I had learned so much from her over the years, watching her in the kitchen, asking questions, and tasting her creations. She had passed down many recipes to me, each one a precious gift filled with love and tradition.
I decided then and there that I would make the Tomato and Coriander Salad for dinner that evening. I carefully followed my grandmother's instructions, slicing the tomatoes with care and arranging them on a platter in a perfect circle. I sprinkled them with the chopped coriander, drizzled on the lemon juice and olive oil, and added a pinch of salt and pepper for good measure.
As I stood back and admired my handiwork, I felt a sense of connection to my grandmother that was both comforting and profound. I could almost hear her voice in my head, offering me gentle guidance and encouragement. I knew that she would be proud of me for carrying on her culinary traditions and for putting my own spin on her beloved recipe.
When my family sat down to dinner that evening, the Tomato and Coriander Salad was a huge hit. The flavors were bright and fresh, the colors vibrant and inviting. My husband and children raved about it, asking for seconds and even thirds. I felt a swell of pride in my chest, knowing that I had honored my grandmother's memory in such a delicious and meaningful way.
From that day on, the Tomato and Coriander Salad became a staple in our household. I made it for every family gathering, every holiday meal, and every special occasion. It became a symbol of love and tradition, a way for me to connect with my grandmother and keep her spirit alive in my kitchen.
As the years went by, I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations. Sometimes I would sprinkle on some crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts. Other times I would toss in some diced red onion or cucumber. But no matter how I changed it up, the essence of the salad remained the same - fresh, flavorful, and full of memories.
Now, as I sit here writing this story, I can't help but smile at the thought of my grandmother looking down on me from above, her eyes twinkling with pride. I know that she is pleased with how I have carried on her culinary traditions and how I have made the Tomato and Coriander Salad my own.
So here's to you, Grandma - thank you for teaching me the art of cooking, for sharing your recipes and your love, and for inspiring me to create something special out of the simplest of ingredients. I will always cherish the memories we shared in the kitchen, and I will always hold dear the legacy you have passed down to me. And every time I make the Tomato and Coriander Salad, I will think of you and smile, knowing that you are with me, guiding me, and cheering me on.