Introduction
This vibrant and flavorful salad is a delightful blend of textures and tastes, combining the crunch of peanuts, the juiciness of tomatoes, and the aromatic touch of herbs. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light meal, and you can easily adapt it to suit your dietary preferences. With optional ingredients like dried shrimps and fish sauce, you can adjust the recipe to make it vegetarian-friendly while still packing a punch in flavor.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
50g unsalted roasted peanuts
300g tomatoes, at room temperature, quartered
½ green finger chilli, deseeded (optional) and finely sliced
1 tbsp dried shrimps (optional)
1–2 raw shallots, peeled and thinly sliced
3–5 tbsp garlic oil
Juice of ½ lime
2 tsp fish sauce (omit to make vegetarian, then season with salt)
Small handful of coriander leaves
1 tsp gram flour, toasted
Crispy fried shallots, to garnish
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 2-4
This salad is quick to prepare and is sure to impress with its fresh flavors and unique textures. Enjoy it as a refreshing side or as a main dish, and feel free to make it your own by adjusting the spice levels and ingredient options!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Peanuts
Crush the peanuts using a pestle and mortar or pulse a few times in a food processor until they reach the size of crunchy peanut butter pieces.
Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the quartered tomatoes, sliced chilli, crushed peanuts, dried shrimps (if using), sliced shallots, garlic oil, lime juice, fish sauce (or salt for a vegetarian version), coriander leaves, and toasted gram flour. Mix thoroughly, preferably using clean hands, to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more fish sauce or chilli if desired.
Serve the Salad
Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with crispy fried shallots.
Notes
Peanut Texture
Ensure the peanuts are crushed to a size that adds a crunchy texture without becoming a paste.
Tomato Temperature
Using tomatoes at room temperature enhances their flavor in the salad.
Vegetarian Version
If omitting the fish sauce, remember to adjust the seasoning using salt.
Garnishing
Crispy fried shallots add a delightful crunch and flavor, so don’t skip this step.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to adjust the amount of chilli according to your spice preference, and other ingredients can be adapted based on availability.
Cook techniques
Crushing Peanuts
Use a pestle and mortar or a food processor to crush the peanuts until they resemble the texture of crunchy peanut butter pieces. This enhances the flavor and adds a delightful crunch to your dish.
Combining Ingredients
In a large bowl, carefully combine all the ingredients, ensuring an even distribution. Using clean hands to mix can help achieve a better blend, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Tasting and Adjusting
Before serving, taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more fish sauce or chillies to suit your flavor preference.
Garnishing
Finish the salad by garnishing with crispy fried shallots. This adds a delightful crunch and enhances the overall presentation of the dish.
FAQ
Can I use other types of nuts instead of peanuts?
Yes, you can substitute peanuts with other nuts such as cashews or almonds, but keep in mind that it may change the flavor profile.
Is the use of dried shrimps mandatory?
No, dried shrimps are optional. You can omit them to make the salad vegetarian-friendly.
What should I do if I can’t find fish sauce?
If fish sauce is unavailable, you can use soy sauce or simply season with salt for a vegetarian option.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
It is best to prepare the salad just before serving to ensure freshness, especially with tomatoes and herbs. If made in advance, keep components separate until ready to serve.
What can I serve with this salad?
This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or can be served as a refreshing side dish with any Asian-inspired meal.
Conclusion
The combination of roasted peanuts, fresh tomatoes, and vibrant herbs in this recipe creates a delightful and refreshing salad that is perfect for any occasion. The optional ingredients like dried shrimp and green chilli add depth and complexity, while the crispy shallots provide a satisfying crunch. Enjoy this dish as a side or a light meal, and feel free to adjust the flavors to suit your palate.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Peanut and Cucumber Salad
Combine crushed peanuts with sliced cucumbers, lime juice, and a drizzle of sesame oil for a refreshing side dish.
Tomato and Avocado Salsa
Mix quartered tomatoes with diced avocado, chopped red onion, lime juice, and cilantro for a quick salsa to accompany chips or grilled meats.
Spicy Noodle Salad
Toss cooked noodles with crushed peanuts, chopped vegetables, lime juice, and a spicy sesame dressing for a hearty meal.
Mango Salad with Peanuts
Combine diced mango, sliced red onion, crushed peanuts, and a dressing of lime juice and fish sauce for a tropical twist.
Vegetarian Stir-Fry
Incorporate the ingredients into a stir-fry with assorted veggies and tofu, enhanced with garlic oil and lime juice for a flavorful dish.
