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This tomato salad takes me straight to the sunny patios of Beirut. I picked up the recipe during a trip to a Lebanese friend's home who shared all her kitchen tricks with me. The crisp tomatoes and spice aromas feel like a little piece of the Mediterranean on your plate. It's a ray of sunshine that brightens up my summer meals.
The enchanting Levant flavors
What makes this salad special is how the juicy Campari tomatoes blend with my red pepper sauce. The sumac and smoky paprika add that unexpected twist that always wows my guests. When I'm making it, my kitchen fills with scents that remind me of Lebanese markets.
My tiny eastern bazaar
- The headliners: My ripe Campari tomatoes picked for their sweet taste
- The must-have: A large red bell pepper that thickens the sauce
- The kick: Fragrant garlic cloves
- My spice treasures: Smoky paprika and sumac I brought back from Lebanon
- The liquid gold: My top-quality olive oil to enhance everything
- The green touch: Fresh parsley from my small garden
- The basics: Salt and freshly ground pepper for balance
My step-by-step approach
- The fresh foundation
- I cut my tomatoes into even wedges so they soak up the sauce nicely.
- The sauce wizardry
- In my blender I turn my pepper and garlic into a silky sauce. I mix in my spices and olive oil until everything's well combined.
- The perfect union
- I pour my sauce over the tomatoes, gently toss, then add my parsley.
- The resting period
- Patience matters here - I let the flavors mingle for about thirty minutes.
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The tasting moment
I serve my salad in my pretty Lebanese ceramic dish. For a complete feast, I make warm homemade pita bread. It's wonderful with grilled meats or just as a cool starter on a summer evening. My friends always want seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Where can I buy sumac?
- You can find sumac in specialty Middle Eastern shops or some supermarkets in the spice aisle. If unavailable, try using grated lemon zest for a similar tangy flavor.
- → Can I make this salad ahead?
- Yes, you can prepare it up to 4 hours before serving. The flavors will have time to blend nicely. Just keep it in the fridge and add parsley right before serving.
- → What tomatoes can I use if no Campari are available?
- Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes are great substitutes. Just make sure they’re firm and flavorful for the best result.
- → Is the sauce spicy?
- No, the sauce is more aromatic than spicy because of the smoky paprika. You can adjust the garlic amount based on your preference.
- → What’s the best way to serve this salad?
- Traditionally, it’s served as a starter or side dish. It pairs wonderfully with pita bread and goes great alongside grilled meats or falafels.