Persian Tomato Salad

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, ensuring each piece retains some of the juicy flesh. Peel the cucumber if desired, then slice it into thin rounds for a refreshing crunch.
2. Place the tomato wedges and cucumber slices into a large mixing bowl. This will give you enough space to mix the salad without overcrowding, which helps keep the pieces intact.
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 and slightly thickened. This dressing will provide a bright, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.
4. Pour the dressing over the tomatoes and cucumbers in the mixing bowl. Sprinkle fine sea salt to taste, starting with a small pinch and adding more if needed. The salt should enhance the natural flavors without overpowering them.
5. Add a handful of fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley or mint, to the salad. These herbs should be roughly chopped to release their aroma and flavor, adding a fragrant, herbal note to the dish.
6. Gently toss the salad using two large spoons or your hands. Lift the ingredients from the bottom of the bowl and fold them over the top, being careful not to crush the tomatoes. The goal is to coat everything evenly with the dressing while maintaining the integrity of the ingredients.
7. Once the salad is well-mixed, taste a small piece to check the seasoning. Adjust the salt or lemon juice if necessary, ensuring the flavors are balanced and vibrant.
8. Serve the Persian Tomato Salad immediately, accompanied by fresh bread. The salad should be enjoyed fresh, with the crispness of the cucumber and the juiciness of the tomatoes providing a refreshing contrast to the rich olive oil dressing.