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Pakistani Tomato Salad

Serves 4 to 6 Salad vegetarian, Salads

Pakistani Tomato Salad

Pakistani Tomato Salad finds its roots in the bustling urban kitchens of Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Islamabad, where it graces tables as a vibrant accompaniment to family meals. Though simple, it captures the essence of home cooking in Pakistan, with each family adding its personal touch while staying true to the tradition of hand-judged salt and generous use of fat.

This salad should burst with the fresh, juicy flavors of ripe tomatoes and cool cucumber, harmonized by the richness of olive oil and the brightness of lemon. The herbs punctuate each bite, while the fine sea salt ties everything together. It's a dish meant to be shared, embodying the spirit of communal dining without fanfare.

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. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Using a sharp knife, cut the tomatoes into bite-sized wedges and the cucumber into thin slices. Place them in a large mixing bowl to allow for easy tossing later.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 80 ml of olive oil, the juice of one lemon, and fine sea salt to taste. Whisk the mixture until it emulsifies slightly, which means the oil and lemon juice should blend together smoothly. This dressing will add a bright and tangy flavor to the salad.
  3. Pour the dressing over the tomatoes and cucumber in the mixing bowl. Use a large spoon or salad tongs to gently toss the ingredients together. Be careful not to crush the tomatoes; you want them to retain their shape and juiciness.
  4. Finely chop a handful of fresh herbs of your choice, such as cilantro, mint, or parsley. Sprinkle the herbs over the salad, adding a fresh and aromatic layer to the dish. Toss the salad once more, gently folding the herbs into the mixture.
  5. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or lemon juice to suit your preference. The flavors should be well-balanced, with the acidity of the lemon complementing the sweetness of the tomatoes.
  6. Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates. Serve immediately, accompanied by fresh bread to soak up the flavorful juices. Enjoy this refreshing Pakistani Tomato Salad as a vibrant addition to your meal.
Cover of Authentic Pakistani Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Pakistani Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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