Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 medium-sized red onions, thinly sliced
- 4 medium-sized tomatoes, diced
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red chili pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced red onions, diced tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced green bell pepper, finely chopped red chili pepper, chopped cilantro leaves, and chopped mint leaves.
2. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Toss the ingredients together until well combined.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve chilled.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Refrigerate before serving.
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 50
Total fat: 0.5g
Saturated fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total carbohydrates: 12g
Dietary fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Red onions can be substituted with white onions or shallots.
- Tomatoes can be substituted with cherry tomatoes or Roma tomatoes.
- Cucumber can be substituted with zucchini or yellow squash.
- Green bell pepper can be substituted with red or yellow bell pepper.
- Red chili pepper can be substituted with jalapeno or serrano pepper.
- Cilantro leaves can be substituted with parsley or basil leaves.
- Mint leaves can be omitted or substituted with basil leaves.
Variations:
- Add diced avocado for a creamy texture.
- Use lemon juice instead of lime juice for a different flavor.
- Add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Add cooked and diced chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a mandoline slicer to thinly slice the red onions.
- Adjust the amount of chili pepper according to your preference for spiciness.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
- Serve as a side dish or as a topping for grilled meats or fish.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
This dish is best served chilled and does not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
Serve in a clear glass bowl to showcase the colorful ingredients.
Garnishes:
Garnish with additional cilantro leaves or lime wedges.
Pairings:
Serve with grilled meats or fish, or as a side dish for a barbecue or picnic.
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled vegetables
- Rice pilaf
- Naan bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the kachumbari is too spicy, add more diced tomatoes to balance out the heat.
- If the kachumbari is too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance out the flavors.
Food safety advice:
- Wash all vegetables thoroughly before using.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and discard any leftovers that have been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food history:
Kachumbari is a traditional East African salad that is commonly served as a side dish or condiment. It is typically made with tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers, and can be customized with additional ingredients such as cucumber, bell peppers, or herbs.
Flavor profiles:
This dish is fresh, tangy, and slightly spicy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve chilled as a side dish or topping for grilled meats or fish.
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Region: Kenyan