Bukharian Chopped Salad

Bukharian Chopped Salad

In Bukharian restaurants in Israel, a finely chopped salad of tomato, cucumber, onion and herbs is served alongside oshpelo and meat pastries. It is close to Uzbekistan’s achichuk salads and to Israeli salad; the addition of cucumber and oil reflects a common local version, not a sharp historical boundary.

Prep time: 20 minutes · Yield: 6 servings · Difficulty: easy

Chop just before serving

5 mm cubes give an even texture. Salt draws out liquid, so season at the last moment. With watery tomatoes, remove some of the seeds, but not all the juice.

Ingredients (for 6 servings)

• 800 grams firm tomatoes
• 500 grams cucumbers
• 200 grams red onion
• Half a bunch of cilantro and half a bunch of parsley
• 45 ml olive oil
• Juice of one lemon
• Salt, black pepper and a pinch of cumin

Choosing ingredients and substitutes

Small Israeli cucumbers stay crunchy. If you want a version closer to achichuk, leave out the cucumber and add hot pepper. Wash and dry the herbs well.

Method

1. Chop the tomatoes and cucumbers into small, even cubes.
2. Slice the onion thinly; for a milder bite, rinse it in cold water and dry it.
3. Chop the herbs with a sharp knife and mix with the vegetables.
4. Just before serving, add the oil, lemon, salt, pepper and cumin and mix once.
5. Serve immediately; a salad that has stood releases liquid but is still safe refrigerated for up to a day.

Nutrition facts and calorie estimate

Variations and tips

• Without oil the salad is about 60 calories per serving.
• Hot green pepper works, but add a little and taste.
• Don’t chop in a food processor; it crushes the vegetables and releases liquid.

Summary

A good Israeli Bukharian salad is fine, crunchy and seasoned at the last moment. One serving is about 125 calories. It is an especially good balance for oshpelo and goshtgizhda. Back to all Bukharian recipes.