Mediterranean Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Ingredients(for 1 katori (bowl) per person)

• 2 medium Tomato (Tamatar) (finely chopped)
• 1 large Cucumber (Kheera) (peeled and diced)
• 1 small Onion (Pyaaz) (finely chopped)
• 2 tbsp Fresh Coriander Leaves (Dhaniya) (chopped)
• 2 tsp Lemon Juice (Nimbu Ras)
• 1 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (Kali Mirch) (freshly ground)
• to taste Salt (Namak) (preferably sendha namak during fasting)
• 1/4 tsp Roasted Cumin Powder (Bhuna Jeera) - optional
• 1 (optional) Green Chili (Hari Mirch) (finely chopped for spice) - optional

Instructions

1. 1

   Wash and finely chop the tomatoes, cucumber, and onion. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl.

   5 minutes

   Use firm, ripe tomatoes and fresh kheera for best crunch and flavor.

2. 2

   Add freshly chopped coriander leaves and green chili if you prefer a slight kick.

   2 minutes

   For mild taste, skip the green chili or remove the seeds.

3. 3

   Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the chopped vegetables.

   1 minute

   Nimbu ras not only adds tang but also boosts Vitamin C content.

4. 4

   Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and roasted cumin powder (if using) over the salad.

   1 minute

   Bhuna jeera gives a subtle earthy aroma typical in Indian salads.