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Eastern European Tomato Salad 2

Serves 4 to 6 Salad vegetarian, Salads

Eastern European Tomato Salad 2

Eastern European Tomato Salad 2 finds its roots in the heart of home kitchens, where tomatoes and cucumbers come together with the kind of generous and instinctive seasoning that embodies the casual elegance of everyday meals. This is not a salad for special occasions, but rather a staple, crafted with a hand that knows the salt shaker well and pours olive oil with a practiced flourish.

The taste is a vibrant interplay of sun-ripened tomatoes and crisp cucumber, bound by the richness of olive oil and brightened with a squeeze of lemon. Fine sea salt enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables, while fresh herbs add a fragrant finish. It's a dish that celebrates the straightforward joy of fresh ingredients, perfect for sharing at any meal.

Ingredients

  • 3tomatoes
  • 1cucumber
  • 80 mlolive oil
  • lemonjuiced
  • herbs — chopped
  • to tastefine sea salt

Method

  1. Begin by washing the 3 tomatoes and 1 cucumber thoroughly under cold running water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Slice the tomatoes into thin wedges and the cucumber into half-moon slices, ensuring the pieces are not too thick to maintain a delicate texture.
  2. Place the sliced tomatoes and cucumber into a large mixing bowl. This will allow you to toss the salad easily without spilling. Ensure the bowl is large enough to accommodate the salad without crowding, which helps in even dressing.
  3. In a small bowl, combine 80 ml of olive oil with the juice of one lemon. Whisk them together until the mixture is well emulsified. This will create a balanced dressing that coats the vegetables evenly.
  4. Pour the dressing over the tomatoes and cucumber in the mixing bowl. Sprinkle fine sea salt to taste, starting with a small pinch and adjusting as needed. The salt should enhance the natural flavors without overpowering them.
  5. Add a handful of your chosen fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, finely chopped. The herbs should be fresh and vibrant, adding a fragrant aroma and a burst of color to the salad.
  6. Using a large spoon, gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients. Be careful to keep the tomato wedges and cucumber slices intact, as their shape contributes to the salad's texture and presentation.
  7. Transfer the salad to a serving platter or bowl. Serve immediately with fresh bread on the side, allowing everyone at the table to enjoy the refreshing flavors and the communal spirit of Eastern European dining.
Cover of Authentic Eastern European Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Eastern European Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Eastern European Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Eastern European volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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