Egypt's National Salad: Baladi Salad & Salata Whiskey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrHktc8JoOY

Egyptian Baladi Salad & Salata Whiskey

Egyptian salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that captures the essence of Egyptian cuisine. This salad is a staple in many Egyptian meals, often served alongside dishes like molokhia or kebab. The combination of fresh vegetables, including cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions, is enhanced with a tangy dressing made of white vinegar, lime juice, and a touch of dried mint. It's known for its bright, crisp flavors, and in Egypt, it's affectionately referred to as the country's "national salad."

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Ingredients

(Seasonings should be added to taste.)

For the Onion Prep:

• 1 red onion, diced

• sea salt

• white vinegar

For the Salad:

• 6 mini cucumbers, diced

• 4 tomatoes, diced

• 1 jalapeño (optional), finely diced

• fresh parsley, chopped

• juice of 3 limes

• sea salt

• black pepper

• dried mint leaves

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Instructions

Preparing the Onion

Start this recipe by adding diced red onions to a large bowl. Sprinkle in a pinch of sea salt and add a splash of white vinegar. This quick step helps reduces that harsh raw onion bite.

Assembling the Salad

To the bowl, add diced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, finely diced jalapeños, and fresh parsley. Squeeze in fresh lime juice, then season with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper.

Finish with Dried Mint

For the final touch, take dried mint leaves and gently rub them between your hands to break them up and release their oils. Add the mint to the salad, give it a good mix so all the flavors come together, and it’s ready to serve.

The Salad "Whiskey"

As the salad rests, a naturally formed pinkish dressing appears at the bottom of the bowl. In Egyptian culture, this is often called "salata whiskey" — and no, it contains no alcohol. Pour it into a cup and drink it on its own.

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Okay, khalas! If you try my recipe, post it on Instagram

and tag me @theegyptiancook... or else I will yell at you!