Kanda nu Kachumber
A zesty, crunchy Gujarati-style onion salad that comes together in minutes. Finely chopped onions, tomatoes, and fresh coriander are tossed with lemon juice and a whisper of roasted cumin for a refreshingly tangy side that cuts through rich curries, biryanis, or any Indian meal.
For 4 servings
- prep
Chop the vegetables.
1.Peel and finely chop the onions into small, even dice.2.Deseed the tomato and finely chop it to match the onion dice.3.Finely chop the fresh coriander leaves. - mix
Toss the salad.
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped onions, tomatoes, and coriander leaves. Sprinkle the roasted cumin powder, salt, and red chili powder over the top.
- mix
Add the lemon juice and give a final toss.
Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the salad. Toss everything together gently until well combined. Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice if needed.
TIPToss and serve immediately to keep the salad crunchy; do not let it sit or the onions will release water. - serve
Serve immediately.
Transfer to a serving katori and serve fresh as a crunchy side with dal rice, biryani, or any Gujarati meal.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Finely dice the onion and tomato to ensure each bite has a balanced mix of flavors and textures.
- 2Deseed the tomato before chopping to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- 3Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a brighter, fresher tang than bottled alternatives.
- 4Roast whole cumin seeds on a dry pan until fragrant, then grind for the most aromatic powder.
- 5Serve the kachumber immediately after tossing to maintain its signature crunch and prevent sogginess.
- 6For a milder bite, soak chopped onions in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well before using.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Mango Kachumber
Add a finely chopped green mango for a tangy, crunchy twist that pairs beautifully with the roasted cumin and chili.
Cucumber CooledCucumber-Cooled
Replace the tomato with an equal amount of finely chopped cucumber (seeds removed) for a more hydrating, cooling version, perfect for hot days.
Herb ForwardHerb-Forward
Add 1 tablespoon each of chopped fresh mint and finely chopped green chilies for a vibrant, herbaceous kick that brightens heavy curries.
No Onion (for Satvik diets)No-Onion (for Satvik diets)
Omit the onion and use a combination of finely chopped cucumber, carrot, and roasted peanuts for crunch, keeping the lemon-cumin dressing.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Onions and tomatoes are packed with quercetin and lycopene, which help combat oxidative stress and support overall cellular health.
Supports Digestion
The raw onions and lemon juice provide natural enzymes and vitamin C that can aid digestion and stimulate appetite without heavy spices.
Low Calorie and Fat-Free
This salad is naturally very low in calories and contains no added fats, making it a guilt-free accompaniment to any meal.
Hydrating and Refreshing
The high water content of onions and tomatoes helps keep the body hydrated, especially when paired with cooling lemon and coriander.
Frequently asked questions
You likely salted it too early or skipped deseeding the tomato. Salt draws out moisture, so toss the salad just before serving and always remove tomato seeds to keep it crunchy.
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