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West African Herb Salad

Serves 4 to 6 Salad vegetarian, Salads

West African Herb Salad

West African Herb Salad brings the vibrant greens of the region to your table, seasoned with a generous hand of salt and a splash of lemon juice. This dish is a staple at home tables across West Africa, where cooks rely on instinct rather than measurements to create a fresh, flavorful experience.

The salad is a celebration of mixed greens and herbs, dressed simply with olive oil and lemon, allowing the natural flavors to shine. It's a dish meant for sharing, embodying the communal spirit of West African dining, where the emphasis is on taste and togetherness.

Ingredients

  • 150 gmixed greens
  • 60 mlolive oil
  • lemonjuiced
  • herbs — chopped
  • to tastefine sea salt

Method

  1. Start by washing 150 g of mixed greens thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Shake off excess water and pat them dry gently with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This ensures the greens remain crisp and fresh.
  2. Prepare the herbs by washing them similarly and drying them well. Use a combination of herbs such as parsley, cilantro, and mint, roughly chopping them to release their aromatic oils. Aim for about a handful of mixed herbs to add vibrant flavors to the salad.
  3. In a large salad bowl, combine the dried mixed greens and chopped herbs. This allows the flavors to meld together while keeping the greens crisp.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 60 ml of olive oil and the juice of one lemon. Add fine sea salt to taste, starting with a small pinch and adjusting as needed. The dressing should have a balanced taste that complements the freshness of the greens.
  5. Pour the dressing over the greens and herbs in the salad bowl. Use your hands or salad tongs to toss the salad gently, ensuring that each leaf is lightly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to bruise the greens, as this will keep them looking vibrant and appealing.
  6. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or lemon juice to enhance the flavors. The salad should taste fresh and slightly tangy, with a hint of saltiness.
  7. Serve the West African Herb Salad immediately, accompanied by slices of fresh bread. The salad's bright flavors and the bread's texture create a delightful contrast, perfect for sharing at the table.
Cover of Authentic West African Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic West African Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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