Spicy Peanut & Cucumber Salad
A vibrant and refreshing Indian-style salad (koshimbir) featuring crisp cucumber, crunchy roasted peanuts, and a zesty, spicy tempering. It's a perfect light lunch or a delightful side dish.
For 3 servings
Prepare the vegetables: Wash and grate the cucumber. If you prefer a drier salad, lightly squeeze out any excess water from the grated cucumber. Place it in a medium mixing bowl.
Add fresh ingredients: To the bowl with the cucumber, add the finely chopped tomato, finely chopped green chili, and fresh chopped cilantro.
Crush peanuts: In a mortar and pestle or a small food processor, coarsely crush the roasted peanuts. You want a mix of fine crumbs and larger pieces for optimal texture. Add the crushed peanuts to the mixing bowl.
Prepare the tempering (tadka): Heat the vegetable oil in a small pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the black mustard seeds. Allow them to splutter vigorously, indicating they are fully cooked and flavorful.
Add aromatics to tadka: Immediately add the fresh curry leaves and asafoetida to the hot oil. Sauté for about 10-15 seconds until the curry leaves turn slightly crisp and the asafoetida becomes fragrant.
Combine with salad: Carefully pour the hot tempering directly over the ingredients in the mixing bowl. The sizzling sound and aroma are part of the experience!
Season the salad: Squeeze in the fresh lime juice and add salt to taste. Start with a pinch and adjust as needed.
Mix and serve: Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are well combined and evenly coated with the tempering. Serve the Spicy Peanut & Cucumber Salad immediately to enjoy its freshness and crunch.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crunch, lightly toast raw peanuts in a dry pan until golden before crushing them.
- 2Always add the tempering (tadka) just before serving to maintain the salad's crispness and vibrant flavors.
- 3Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of green chili. For a milder version, you can omit it entirely.
- 4If making ahead, prepare the vegetables and peanuts, but store them separately from the dressing ingredients. Combine and add the hot tadka just before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add 1/4 cup of crumbled paneer, cooked chickpeas, or sprouted moong beans for extra protein and texture.
Vegetable MedleyVegetable Medley
Incorporate other finely diced vegetables such as red onion, bell peppers, or grated carrots for added color and nutrients.
Nutty TwistNutty Twist
Experiment with other nuts like cashews or almonds, lightly toasted and crushed, instead of or in addition to peanuts.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Hydration
Cucumber is over 95% water, making this salad a great way to stay hydrated, especially on warm days.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Peanuts are a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and support heart health.
Rich in Antioxidants & Fiber
The fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices provide a wealth of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, aiding digestion and boosting overall well-being.
Frequently asked questions
While it's best served fresh for optimal crunch and flavor, you can prep the grated cucumber, chopped tomatoes, and crushed peanuts a few hours in advance. Keep them separate and prepare the tempering (tadka) and mix everything just before serving.
