Every cuisine loves a salad with the combination of onion, tomato and cucumbers. This crunchy everyday salad is relished in many ways around the globe. Tracing this salad across the globe we find many versions, similar names and still an irresistible option. Trying out the Kenyan Kachumbari or the middle eastern tomato salads my tastebuds still request for that kachumber (kachumber) on the plate for dinner.
Indian kachumer or kachumber
Every Indian thali has a side of a chopped oil-free salad, a crunchy refreshing break from the creamy, spicy curried and the hot from the griddle rotis.
Y0u will come across many variations of the kachumber in India. Some with carrots, the peppery radishes, with or without the cucumber, grated in raw mangoes etc and the list goes on. the additions of chillies, herbs like mint or cilantro ( coriander), the use of garam masala or cumin, lemon, lime or vinegar is all dependent on how you have tasted and enjoyed this simple salad. In fact, every house will have a different family recipe for the kachumber.
More with kachumer
Do not restrict this salad to that Indian thali as this zero oil salad is perfect on falafels, wraps, masala papads, whisked into yoghurt for that cool side when you don’t want to cook or the avocado crusted bruschetta. For more wholesomeness, throw in some chickpeas.
Here is how you turn this into a raitha
To be honest, this is not the best salad on the go as the cucumber and the tomatoes love to give up their water content and be leaky. Yet this is the best tossed-salad when you need a low-calorie meal.
Try out this salad today with some Dal tadka and spinach phulkas for that desi Indian meal.
After about 5 years of being on this blog, I guess it is time to give a new look to this post. Hence, submitting this to the foodies redoing post with renewed content and images. Hope you love it
Stay safe and enjoy
Kachumer
indian thali salad
Ingredients
- 2 medium cucumber
- 3 large Tomato
- 1 medium Onion red or white, I prefer the red ones.
- 1 handful coriander leaves fresh
- 2-3 green chill
- 1 lemon
- 1/2 tsp roasted cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
Instructions
- Wash and clean cucumber and tomatoes . Dice them. add them to the salad bowl
- Dice the onions too
- Deseed the chilies and chop them fine to add
- Finely chop the coriander leaves
- Extract the juice of half a lemon. Drizzle in the lime juice.
- Sprinkle the salt, cumin and black pepper powder and toss.
- Once well mixed it's ready to serve. Chill if keeping for a longer time.
Notes
Change to mint leaves if you don't like coriander. Also add in a handful of pomegranate pearls if you have.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
in this summer heat, we make it almost everyday ! chat masala, black salt and chilli powder are our favourite toppings. the dish looks really refreshing, Seema !
Kachumber salad is our all time favourite especially during Summers. It is sorefreshing that I could dig into a large bowl of it just as my mid day snack.
One of the most widely served and basic salads that is so similar words over. In Mombasa they serve this salad and its called kachumbari, with meat dishes especially with chicken tikka, kebabs etc. Personally, I love to add coriander and mint along with extra lemon juice.
I am looking at your spring of mint so fresh and beautiful. This is one salad that does make appearances in my place often. I must thank you for now I know what should accompany tomorrow paratha.
Love this salad anytime, it looks so crunchy and fresh. Shall add cumin powder next time to it.
Kachumber salad is our much favorite salad particularly during Summer Seema ! I don’t use mint leaves, will add next time, must be adding extra flavors surely 🙂
Love the mint sprig which you have presented in the click.
One of the most popular salad for Indian and it looks very inviting and colourful. Refreshing and healthy