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Jazariyeh (Syrian Spiced Carrot Salad)

The Quirky Foodster Team

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4
Servings

Ingredients

  • Medium carrots, peeled and sliced — 5
  • Garlic, minced — 2 cloves
  • Olive oil — 30 ml (2 tbsp)
  • Lemon juice — 30 ml (2 tbsp)
  • Ground cumin — 1/2 tsp
  • Chili flakes — 1/4 tsp
  • Chopped parsley — 2 tbsp
  • Salt — to taste

Method

  1. Boil the carrot slices in salted water for 6-8 minutes until just tender, then drain and cool slightly.
  2. Whisk together garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, chili flakes and salt.
  3. Toss the warm carrots in the dressing so they absorb the flavours.
  4. Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm or at room temperature.

Introduction: A bright, lightly spiced carrot salad found across Syrian mezze tables, jazariyeh balances the sweetness of carrots with garlic, cumin and lemon, offering a fresh contrast to richer dishes in a spread.

Cultural Background: A bright, lightly spiced carrot salad found across Syrian mezze tables, jazariyeh balances the sweetness of carrots with garlic, cumin and lemon, offering a fresh contrast to richer dishes in a spread.

Tips: Don’t overcook the carrots — they should still have a slight bite. Dressing the carrots while warm helps them soak up more flavour.

Variations: Add toasted cumin seeds for extra crunch and aroma. Stir in a spoonful of yogurt for a creamier variation.

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Best served cold or at room temperature; no reheating required.

FAQs:

Q: Can this be made ahead?

A: Yes, it keeps well and the flavour deepens after a few hours in the fridge.

Q: Is jazariyeh spicy?

A: It has a very mild heat from chili flakes, easily adjusted to taste.