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Lebanese Tomato Salad 3

Serves 4 to 6 Salad vegetarian, Salads

Lebanese Tomato Salad 3

Lebanese Tomato Salad 3 is a staple at home tables across Lebanon, crafted with a generous hand and a heart for sharing. This version captures the essence of a family gathering, where the salt is measured by feel and olive oil flows freely.

The salad brings together ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and a squeeze of lemon, all elevated by fresh herbs and a touch of fine sea salt. It's a simple yet vibrant dish, offering a refreshing taste that's both familiar and comforting.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Start by washing 3 tomatoes and 1 cucumber thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Using a sharp knife, dice the tomatoes into small, bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are uniform for even flavor distribution. Peel the cucumber if desired, then slice it into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes and sliced cucumber. This bowl should be large enough to allow for easy mixing without spilling. Add a generous pinch of fine sea salt to the vegetables, which will help draw out their natural juices and enhance their flavors.
  3. Measure 80 ml of olive oil and pour it over the vegetables in the bowl. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the salad, ensuring you catch any seeds. The acidity of the lemon juice will balance the richness of the olive oil and bring a refreshing tang to the dish.
  4. Sprinkle a handful of your chosen fresh herbs over the salad. Common choices include parsley, mint, or cilantro, which add a burst of freshness and aroma. Adjust the amount of herbs to your taste, keeping in mind that they should complement, not overpower, the other ingredients.
  5. Using a large spoon, gently toss the salad to combine all ingredients. Be careful to mix just enough to coat the vegetables with the dressing without breaking them apart. The tomatoes should remain intact, releasing their juices slightly but not becoming mushy.
  6. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or lemon juice to suit your preference. The salad should taste vibrant and balanced, with a good mix of salty, tangy, and fresh flavors.
  7. Transfer the salad to a serving dish and serve immediately with fresh bread on the side. The bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices at the bottom of the dish, making it an essential part of enjoying this Lebanese Tomato Salad 3.
Cover of Authentic Lebanese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Lebanese Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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