Denise says:
Today this salad is very popular whether served at Shabbat lunch with gefillte fish or as part of a meze of salads with pita bread, hummus and falafel or as an accompaniment for just about every meal – both at home and in restaurants. Its enduring appeal is because of its abundant, inexpensive ingredients as well as its brief preparation time and delicious fresh taste.
The essential ingredients are tomatoes and cucumbers. I like to add red and green peppers to keep in line with the colours of the tomatoes and cucumbers but whatever else you use all the vegetables should be cut into 6mm/ ¼ inch pieces. To complete the authentic Israeli experience, I have garnished this salad with some homemade Zaatar.
Za ‘ atar is a mix of spices used as a table condiment in Israel and the Middle East. Key ingredients include thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, sumac and salt but there are many variations. It is often mixed with olive oil and served with warm pita bread, hummus and yoghurt. As a short cut, you can now buy za’atar in kosher shops.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: No cooking!
Serves: 6 people
Ingredients:
25g sumac2 tablespoons fresh thyme
1 tablespoon roasted sesame seeds
2 tablespoons fresh marjoram
2 tablespoons fresh oregano
1 teaspoon coarse salt
NB: If you can not get the fresh herbs substitute half the quantity for dried.
3 beef tomatoes – chopped in cubes
1 cucumber – peeled, deseeded and chopped in cubes
1 green pepper – cut in half, deseeded and chopped in cubes
1 red pepper – cut in half, deseeded and chopped in cubes
1 small red onion – peeled and roughly chopped
4 tablespoons fresh parsley – finely chopped
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Garnish
Fresh mint leaves
Zaatar – Israeli spice
Method
Grind the sesame seeds in food processor or with mortar and pestle. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Store za'atar in a cool, dark place in a plastic bag or in an airtight container1)In a large mixing bowl mix together the tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, onion and parsley.
2)Sprinkle with olive oil, lemon juice and salt and freshly ground black pepper and mix again. Check and adjust seasoning.
Garnish with sprigs of mint and a sprinkling of Zaatar,