Kachumber
A refreshing and crisp Indian salad made with finely chopped cucumber, tomato, and onion. The addition of paneer makes it a light yet satisfying lunch, bursting with tangy and savory flavors from lemon juice and chaat masala.
For 4 servings
Prepare the vegetables and paneer.
Wash all the vegetables thoroughly. Finely chop the cucumber, onion, and deseeded tomatoes. Cut the paneer into small, bite-sized cubes. Chop the coriander leaves and green chili.
TIPFor an extra crisp salad, you can chill the chopped vegetables in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before mixing.Combine all ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped cucumber, tomato, onion, and paneer cubes. Add the chopped coriander leaves and green chili.
Season the salad.
Sprinkle the chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, black salt, and regular salt over the vegetables. Pour the fresh lemon juice on top.
Toss and serve immediately.
Gently toss everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve immediately to enjoy its fresh and crunchy texture.
TIPAvoid letting the salad sit for too long after adding salt and lemon juice, as it will release water and become soggy.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, chop all vegetables as finely and uniformly as possible.
- 2Deseeding the tomatoes is crucial to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- 3If you find the raw onion too pungent, you can soak the chopped onions in cold water for 10 minutes and then drain well before adding to the salad.
- 4To make it more filling, you can add a handful of roasted peanuts or boiled chickpeas.
- 5Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled juice can have a bitter aftertaste.
- 6Serve the kachumber chilled for a more refreshing experience, especially during hot weather.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Kachumber is very healthy. It's low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the fresh vegetables. The paneer adds a good amount of protein, making it a balanced and nutritious dish.
