Get ready to transport your senses to the bustling markets of Istanbul with this mouthwatering Turkish Tomato Salad! Imagine a dish that bursts with the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and fresh flavors - a culinary masterpiece that takes just 10 minutes to prepare. This isn't just a salad; it's a vibrant celebration of Turkish cuisine that will revolutionize your understanding of simple, yet incredibly delicious side dishes. Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that combines ripe tomatoes, pomegranate molasses, and fresh mint in a way you've never experienced before!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Turkish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh mint for garnish
Instructions
- Wash the ripe tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Using a sharp knife, core the tomatoes and chop them into bite-sized, roughly 1/2 inch cubes. Place the chopped tomatoes in a large serving bowl.
- Peel the red onion and slice it very thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. For a milder onion flavor, you can soak the sliced onions in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain.
- Add the thinly sliced red onions to the bowl with the chopped tomatoes.
- Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the tomatoes and onions, ensuring good coverage.
- Pour the pomegranate molasses over the salad, creating a beautiful swirling pattern across the vegetables.
- Sprinkle salt to taste, gently tossing the ingredients to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Wash fresh mint leaves and roughly chop or tear them into small pieces for garnishing.
- Immediately before serving, scatter the fresh mint leaves over the salad for a burst of color and aromatic freshness.
- For best flavor, let the salad sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Tips
- Choose tomatoes at the peak of ripeness - they should be firm but yield slightly when gently pressed, ensuring maximum flavor and juiciness.
- For a more mellow onion flavor, soak the thinly sliced red onions in cold water for 5 minutes before adding to the salad. This reduces their sharp bite while maintaining their crisp texture.
- Use high-quality pomegranate molasses - authentic Turkish brands will provide the most genuine flavor profile.
- Let the salad rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
- For an extra layer of complexity, consider adding a sprinkle of sumac or Aleppo pepper if you have them on hand.
- Serve immediately after preparation to enjoy the freshest taste and most vibrant colors.
- This salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats, kebabs, or can be enjoyed as a light, refreshing side dish on its own.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 133kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
