I have been making this finely chopped fresh salad as an accompaniment to spicy food for close to 30 years. Not only is it a great palate calmer when a chilli hit makes you break out in a sweat, but it’s also makes a lively contrast to a spicy curry.
There is no real recipe. Simply choose a selection of fresh salad vegetables, cut them into 1cm dice, add a generous amount of finely sliced herbs then dress the mix liberally with sea salt and lime juice, before adding just a touch of sugar to enhance the sweetness of the tomatoes. The chilli is optional.
To serve 6
3 ripe Roma tomatoes
2 Lebanese cucumbers deseeded
2 sticks of celery
2 spring onions
Fresh mint leaves
Fresh coriander
You can also add
1/2 green capsicum
1/2 cup mung bean sprouts
1/2 daikon
1 Birdseye chilli
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Great idea! Next time we have spicy food, I’ll have to try this.
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Some fresh crunch is always good with spicy food!
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I would love to try this with some grilled chicken for a great, light lunch! It looks so tasty!
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It’s quick and simple, give it a try😃
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This looks wonderful. Sort of like having a raita with an Indian meal, isn’t it! I’ve never heard of this, but it is definitely something I should make in the summer. It would be great with meats as well…
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Thanks Mimi, it’s a fresh and crunchy contrast when served with curry, but it makes a good salad too!
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It is funny how we get into habits. I have raita with everything remotely Indian.
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I usually just add a good dollop of yoghurt rather than fuss making raita, but Kachumber is a mainstay, appeases my need for raw veg!
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I like the sound of adding daikon! I get them from the Asian markets all the time, definitely trying this during the week. Yesterday we had chopped radishes lightly marinaded in a sesame, tamari and chilli oil dressing, kind of similar idea and very refreshing.
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I have only just started to appreciate the versatility of the sharp crunch of Asian style pickled vegetables. Yes do try it and add daikon if you can get it, it was unavailable in Melbourne this past week.
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