Making a tasty salad with Indian vegetables is both nutritious and flavorful. You can incorporate various fresh vegetables and spices to give your salad a distinctly Indian twist. Here's a simple yet delicious recipe for a spiced Indian vegetable salad:
Ingredients:
Vegetables:
- Cucumber: 1, chopped into small cubes.
- Tomato: 1-2, diced.
- Carrot: 1, grated or thinly sliced.
- Onion: 1 small, thinly sliced.
- Radish (Mooli): 1, grated (optional).
- Beetroot: 1 small, grated (optional for a sweet-earthy flavor).
- Capsicum (Bell Pepper): 1, thinly sliced.
- Cabbage: A small amount, finely shredded.
- Green Chilies: 1, finely chopped (optional for heat).
For the dressing:
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons.
- Roasted Cumin Powder: 1 teaspoon.
- Chaat Masala: 1 teaspoon (adds tangy flavor).
- Salt: To taste.
- Black Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Coriander Leaves: A handful, chopped.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: A handful, chopped (optional).
Optional Add-ins:
- Boiled Chickpeas (Chana): ½ cup (for added protein).
- Sprouted Moong Beans: ½ cup (for extra crunch and nutrition).
- Roasted Peanuts or Almonds: 2 tablespoons (for a crunchy texture).
Instructions:
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash all the vegetables thoroughly.
- Dice the cucumber, tomato, onion, bell pepper, and any other vegetables you prefer to use.
- Grate the carrot, radish, and beetroot for added texture and color.
Mix the Vegetables:
- In a large bowl, combine all the chopped and grated vegetables.
- Add the optional boiled chickpeas, sprouted moong beans, and roasted peanuts or almonds if you like.
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice, roasted cumin powder, chaat masala, salt, and black pepper.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste. You can add more chaat masala for extra tang or more lemon juice for freshness.
Toss the Salad:
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss well so that all the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Add freshly chopped coriander and mint leaves for a refreshing aroma.
Serve:
- Serve immediately as a refreshing appetizer, side dish, or a light meal.
- You can garnish with more roasted peanuts or a sprinkle of sev (crispy chickpea noodles) for added crunch.
Tips for Variations:
- Spiced Yogurt Dressing: If you want a creamier texture, add a few tablespoons of plain yogurt mixed with roasted cumin powder, salt, and a little chaat masala.
- Paneer Cubes: Add lightly pan-fried cubes of paneer for extra protein and flavor.
- Pickled Veggies: You can pickle some of the vegetables like carrots and radishes with a little vinegar, salt, and sugar to give the salad a tangy kick.
Why It Works:
- Freshness: The use of fresh vegetables makes the salad light and crunchy.
- Spices: Roasted cumin powder and chaat masala add a quintessential Indian flavor.
- Texture: The combination of soft and crunchy vegetables, along with optional nuts, adds variety to every bite.
- Protein: Boiled chickpeas and sprouts make it filling and nutritious.
This Indian vegetable salad is simple yet flavorful, packed with nutrients, and can be customized based on the available vegetables and personal preferences.
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