Bowl of Kachumbari Cucumber Salad
(click to enlarge)

Kachumbari Cucumber Salad


East Africa, Tanzania   -   Kachumbari ya Matango
Makes:
Effort:
Sched:
DoAhead:  		 1-1/4 #
**
1 hr
Most		 A very nice salad and simple to make. Kachumbari type salads are very popular in Tanzania and neighboring countries, served along side rice dishes, barbecued meats and other dishes. This is a good party salad as it won't wilt, but see Comments.

1
3
1/4
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2
2
1/2
1/2
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#
oz
c
---
T
T

t
---

Cucumbers (1)  
Carrot
Cilantro Leaves
-- Dressing
Lemon Juice
Olive Oil ExtV
Habanero (2)
Salt
---------------
MAKE   -   (30 min + cooling time)
  1. Cut CUCUMBERS into thin strips about 1-1/2 inches long.
  2. Peel CARROTS and cut into into very thin juliennes (I use a julienning vegetable peeler), or grate similarly.
  3. Chop CILANTRO coarse.
  4. Place all Salad items in a large mixing bowl and tumble gently.
  5. Squeeze LEMON JUICE. Cap and Core HABANERO, and chop very fine. Mix all Dressing items in a small jar.
  6. Shake Dressing vigorously, pour over salad and tumble lightly.
  7. Place the salad in the fridge for about 30 minutes to cool and blend flavors.
  8. Serve cool or cold.
NOTES:

  1. Cucumbers:

      If at all possible, use small cucumbers that don't need to be peeled or seeded, such as Persian, Japanese or European. If you have only the standard waxed green blimps, peel them and seed them, then measure out the given weight.

  2. Habanero Chili:

      Habaneros / Scotch Bonnets are now the dominant hot chilis in Sub-Saharan Africa. Just one half, capped and cored, will provide this salad a very modest sharpness, but if you have doubts, replace it with some ground black pepper.

  3. Comments:

      If you are making this salad far ahead or there will be long sitting time, you may want to salt the Cucumbers after cutting, let them sit for at least 30 minutes, then rinse well and drain well before mixing with other ingredients.
  4. U.S. measure: t=teaspoon, T=Tablespoon, c=cup, qt=quart, oz=ounce, #=pound, cl=clove in=inch, ar=as required tt=to taste
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