Gajar Koshimbir
A refreshing and crunchy Maharashtrian salad made with sweet grated carrots, roasted peanuts, and a simple spiced tempering. This vibrant side dish comes together in minutes and adds a delightful texture to any meal.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Salad Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots, coarsely crushed roasted peanuts, finely chopped green chilies, and fresh coriander leaves.
- Gently toss the ingredients together and set the bowl aside.
Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
- Heat oil in a small pan (tadka pan) over medium heat for about 1 minute.
- Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds. Allow them to splutter completely, which takes about 30 seconds.
- Next, add the cumin seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Sauté for another 20-30 seconds until the curry leaves turn crisp and fragrant. Be careful as the seeds will pop.
Season and Combine
- Just before you are ready to serve, add the sugar, salt, and fresh lemon juice to the carrot mixture in the bowl. Mix well.
- This step is crucial to do at the last minute to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
Add Tempering and Serve
- Immediately pour the hot tempering over the seasoned carrot mixture.
- Mix everything thoroughly until the tempering is evenly distributed throughout the salad.
- Serve at once to enjoy the best crunchy texture and fresh flavors.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Serve immediately after mixing to prevent the carrots from releasing water and becoming soggy.
- 2For a different texture, you can julienne the carrots instead of grating them.
- 3Ensure the oil is hot enough for the mustard seeds to splutter properly; this is key to releasing their flavor.
- 4You can add a pinch of turmeric powder to the tempering for a brighter yellow color.
- 5Coarsely crushing the peanuts provides a much better texture than using a fine powder. You can do this by pulsing them a few times in a grinder or placing them in a bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamy Version
Add 1/4 cup of thick, whisked yogurt (dahi) along with the carrots for a creamier version, similar to a raita.
Coastal FlavorCoastal Flavor
Incorporate 2-3 tablespoons of freshly grated coconut for a classic coastal Maharashtrian flavor and texture.
Protein RichProtein-Rich
Add 1/4 cup of boiled or steamed sprouted mung beans (moong) for extra protein and a delightful crunch.
Fruity TwistFruity Twist
Mix in 2-3 tablespoons of pomegranate arils for a sweet, tangy burst of flavor and a beautiful color contrast.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin A
Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A, essential for good vision, immune function, and skin health.
Good for Heart Health
Roasted peanuts provide monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. The minimal use of oil and fresh ingredients makes this a heart-friendly dish.
High in Fiber
The combination of carrots and peanuts provides a good amount of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Boosts Immunity
The presence of Vitamin C from lemon juice and coriander, along with Vitamin A from carrots, helps in strengthening the immune system.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's very healthy. It's rich in Vitamin A from carrots, healthy fats and protein from peanuts, and is low in calories. The simple tempering uses minimal oil, making it a nutritious side dish.