DISH NAME : TIMATIM SELATA (TOMATO SALAD)

Preparation Time : 10 minutes

Chilling Time : 30 minutes

Description

A cherry tomato is a very small variety of tomato thought to have originated in Peru and Northern Chile. Cherry tomatoes are sweeter than conventional tomatoes. They are comparitively easy to grow, and they mature quickly. Since tomatoes are sensitive to cold, and it will impede their ripening process, store them at room temperature and out of direct exposure to sunlight.
Jalapeno (pronounced Ala-peen-yo) are popularly used in both Spanish and Mexican cuisines. They are also availabe, soaked in brine in supermarkets.
Vinegar is a liquid consisting mainly of acetic acid and water. The acetic acid is produced by the fermentation of ethanol by acetic acid bacteria. Wine vinegar is made from red or white wine and is the most commonly used vinegar in Mediterranean countries . Wine vinegar tends to have a lower acidity than that of white or cider vinegar.

Note

1) If cherry tomatoes are not available, substitute with ordinary tomatoes. Then cube them into small size.
2) I used Lebanese cucumbers. This is a variety of cucumber with dark green, thin skin and crispy texture. Its flesh is crisp and pale and has tiny seeds which are not watery. If using normal cucumber, take out the seeds or it will make the salad watery.
3) If jalapeno chilli is not available, use ordinary chilli.
4) Timatim salad is served on top of Injera, a white leavened Ethiopian flat bread made from teff (a type of grass) flour.
5) Some recipes use berbere, which is an Ethiopian spice mix.
6) If using red onion, after chopping, add 2 pinches of salt and wine vinegar (1 tsp). Mix well. Keep aside for 15 mts., then squeeze out the salt and vinegar. Then add to salad.

Method

1) Cut cherry tomatoes in half.
2) Peel and cube cucumbers.
3) Peel and cube onions.
4) Mix all dressing ingredients together.
5) Toss dressing with the rest of the ingredients.
6) Chill for 30 minutes.
7) Serve chilled.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled .