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Tomato and Cucumber Salad (Chlada)

Serves 4 Salad vegetarian, Salads

Tomato and Cucumber Salad (Chlada)

Chlada is a staple on Moroccan tables, effortlessly bridging the gap between hearty mains like tagines and couscous. Its presence is as constant as the warm sun that ripens the tomatoes, making it an essential part of both everyday meals and more elaborate gatherings. Though simple in its assembly, this salad embodies the essence of fresh produce and serves as a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, spiced dishes that dominate Moroccan cuisine.

Chlada combines the juiciness of ripe tomatoes and the cool crunch of cucumbers with a cumin-lemon dressing, creating an earthy and zesty flavor. Finished with parsley, it offers a refreshing texture and taste, perfect alongside any meal.

Ingredients

  • 4ripe tomatoes, diced
  • 1cucumber, diced
  • 1/2red onion, sliced
  • 1 tspcumin
  • 3 tbspolive oil
  • 1lemon, juiced
  • 1 handfulparsley, chopped
  • 1/2 tspsalt

Method

  1. Start by placing 4 ripe tomatoes on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to dice them into small, even pieces, ensuring the juices are retained. Transfer the diced tomatoes into a large mixing bowl.
  2. Next, take 1 cucumber and peel it if desired. Dice it into pieces similar in size to the tomatoes for a uniform texture. Add the diced cucumber to the bowl with the tomatoes.
  3. Slice 1/2 red onion into thin, half-moon slices. Add these to the bowl, separating the slices with your fingers to distribute them evenly among the tomatoes and cucumber.
  4. In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, and 1 tsp cumin. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is well-blended and the cumin is evenly dispersed.
  5. Pour the dressing over the vegetables in the large mixing bowl. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp salt over the top, then add a handful of chopped parsley.
  6. Using a large spoon or tongs, gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing. Be careful not to crush the tomatoes.
  7. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or lemon juice to suit your preference.
  8. Serve the salad immediately to ensure the cucumber remains crisp and the flavors are fresh and vibrant.
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From the cookbook

Authentic Moroccan Cuisine

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