How to make Timatim Salad

Why cooks start here

Timatim Salad belongs to the everyday cooking of tables across Ethiopia, where its aroma calls everyone to the table. This home version keeps the flavors direct and generous, the way a family cook serves it.

Timatim Salad is a staple of Ethiopian home cooking, a vibrant dish that calls out with the freshness of its ingredients. It graces tables across the country as a regular fixture, offering a burst of color and flavor that complements the main meal. This version stays true to its roots, presenting the salad as it is meant to be—simple, yet full of life. Expect a bright medley of ripe tomatoes and crisp red onion, mingling with the gentle heat of jalapeño or green chili. The olive oil and citrus from lemon or lime juice weave together, while a touch of white vinegar sharpens the edges. Ground black pepper and fine salt accentuate the flavors, creating a salad that is both refreshing and robust.