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Salads

Salatu (Tomato, Onion and Cucumber Salad)

The Quirky Foodster Team

(0)
10 min
Prep
0 min
Cook

Ingredients

  • 4 ripe tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp white vinegar
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Method

  1. Arrange the sliced tomatoes, cucumber and onion in a serving bowl.
  2. Whisk together the vinegar, oil, salt and black pepper in a small bowl.
  3. Pour the dressing over the vegetables just before serving and toss gently.

Introduction: Salatu is the simple, fresh salad served alongside rich Gambian mains like Yassa and Domoda, offering a cool, sharp contrast to heavier stews.

Cultural Background: Salatu is the simple, fresh salad served alongside rich Gambian mains like Yassa and Domoda, offering a cool, sharp contrast to heavier stews. It reflects a common Senegambian table pattern of pairing stew with a light vinegar-dressed salad.

Tips: Slice the onion very thinly and rinse briefly in cold water to soften its sharpness. Dress the salad just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.

Variations: Add thin slices of green bell pepper for extra crunch. A pinch of sugar balances the vinegar for those who prefer a milder dressing.

Storage: Best eaten fresh; if needed, store undressed vegetables separately in the fridge for up to 1 day.

Reheating: Not applicable; served cold.

Nutrition: Approx. 80 kcal, 1g protein, 6g fat, 6g carbohydrate per serving.

FAQs:

Q: What is Salatu usually served with?

A: It is a standard side to rich stews such as Yassa and Domoda, cutting through their richness.

Q: Can I prepare it in advance?

A: The vegetables can be sliced ahead, but the dressing should be added just before serving to prevent sogginess.