Transport your taste buds to the vibrant flavors of Libya with this Spicy Tomato and Cucumber Salad—a refreshing and zesty dish that celebrates the essence of North African cuisine. With a tantalizing combination of diced tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a burst of fresh herbs and spices, this salad is a true culinary delight. Perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a flavorful addition to any meal, this recipe is sure to impress with its bold flavors and vibrant colors. Let’s embark on a culinary journey to Libya and savor the irresistible flavors of this spicy salad!
Ingredients:
- 4 medium tomatoes, about 1 lb or 450g, diced
- 2 medium cucumbers, about 1 lb or 450g, diced
- 1 medium red onion, about 5 oz or 140g, finely chopped
- 1 small green chili, such as jalapeño, about 1 oz or 28g, seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (60ml)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon)
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, finely chopped red onion, and minced green chili.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice until well combined. Pour the dressing over the tomato and cucumber mixture in the large mixing bowl.
- Add the chopped mint leaves and chopped parsley leaves to the bowl with the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing and herbs.
- Sprinkle ground cumin, paprika, and ground coriander over the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the salad again to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture, and the salad is well seasoned.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preferences.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Once chilled, give the salad a final toss before serving to ensure that the ingredients are well combined.
- Serve the Spicy Libyan Tomato and Cucumber Salad chilled as a refreshing appetizer, side dish, or accompaniment to grilled meats or seafood.
- Enjoy the vibrant flavors and zesty kick of this delicious salad, and embrace the taste of Libya with every bite!
Conclusion: With its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and refreshing crunch, this Spicy Libyan Tomato and Cucumber Salad is a true culinary masterpiece that captures the essence of North African cuisine. Bursting with fresh ingredients and aromatic spices, it’s a delightful dish that’s sure to brighten up any meal. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite dishes, this salad offers a tantalizing taste of Libya that will leave you craving more. So, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to the irresistible flavors of this spicy salad today!