Kachumbari is a refreshing Kenyan vegetable salad. It is also popular in Tanzania and surrounding countries. Tomatoes and onions are tossed with cilantro to create the base for this salad.You can also add diced avocados, cucumbers, and red chile peppers with a squeeze of lime juice. These ingredients are optional based on the region. Thinly sliced cabbage is often added in Tanzania.  You can also add a drizzle of olive oil or substitute lemon for the lime juice. This is a great summer salad to serve with Nyama Choma (grilled meat).

Ingredients:

• 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 4 tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 1 avocado, pit removed, peeled, and diced
• 1-2 small red chile pepper, stem removed and finely diced
• 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
• Juice from 1 lime

Directions:

1. Place the chopped onion in a medium bowl and add just enough water to cover.
2. Stir in 2 teaspoons salt and allow to sit for 30 minutes  to soften and remove some of the bite before adding to the salad. .
3. Drain for 10 minutes in a fine mesh sieve.
4. In a large bowl, gently toss together the drained onions, tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, red peppers, and cilantro.
5. Squeeze lime juice over the salad to taste and if desired, season with additional salt.
6. Serve immediately.

Serves:  4

Source:  Tara’s Multicultural Table. Adapted from Cafe Sigrun