It’s definitely a summer staple in every Indian household, but it doesn’t stop us from consuming it all through out the year. LET’S BE FRIENDS ON PINTEREST! WE’RE ALWAYS PINNING TASTY RECIPES Inspired by Logan Moffitt’s Viral Cucumber Salad I couldn’t think of a better way to eat an entire cucumber, but using a whole cucumber to make my favorite Cucumber Salad, the Indian Kachumber. Although it pairs well with any meal, I think it pairs the best with Dal Chawal.
The Origin of Kachumber
Kachumber has its roots in North Indian cuisine, but its popularity has spread throughout the subcontinent and beyond. The word “kachumber” is believed to be derived from the Hindi word “kachmar,” meaning to crush or pound, referring to the chopping technique used to prepare the vegetables. Traditionally, kachumber was made by finely chopping vegetables and mixing them with spices, creating a quick and easy side dish that complemented heavier main courses. Over time, it has evolved into various regional variations, each with its unique twist on the classic recipe.
Ingredients to make a really good Kachumber Salad
To make an authentic kachumber salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Tomatoes Onions Cucumbers Green chilies Fresh coriander (cilantro) Lemon juice Salt Black pepper (optional) Cumin powder (optional)
The beauty of kachumber lies in its simplicity and flexibility. You can easily adjust the quantities and proportions of ingredients to suit your taste preferences. See recipe card below for quantities.
How to Make Easy Kachumber Salad
Hint: For best flavors, make the kachumber 10-20 minutes before consuming to allow the flavors to meld, however that is not mandatory. Make it ahead of time only if you have the time.
Is this allergy friendly?
Kachumber in itself is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free & oil-free. This is a perfect salad to serve guests if they have a dietary restriction.
Variations
While the classic kachumber recipe is delicious on its own, there are many ways to customize it:
Protein-Packed Kachumber: Add chickpeas, roasted peanuts, sprouts, or diced paneer for extra protein. Fruity Twist: Include diced mangoes, apple, pineapple or pomegranate seeds for a sweet-tangy flavor. Grainy Goodness: Mix in cooked quinoa or bulgur wheat for a heartier salad. Avocado Kachumber: Add diced avocado for creaminess and healthy fats. Spicy Kachumber: Increase the number of green chilies or add red chili flakes for extra heat.
Serving Suggestions
Kachumber is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:
As a side dish with Indian curries and rice Alongside grilled veggies or kebabs In wraps or sandwiches As a topping for papadams, toatadas, tacos or nachos Mixed with yogurt to create a refreshing raita to serve with Biryanis.
Storing and Preserving Kachumber
To keep Kachumber fresh:
Kachumber in Modern Cuisine
Kachumber has found its way into modern fusion cuisine, inspiring chefs to create innovative dishes:
Kachumber-inspired salsa for chips or I personally enjoy it on tostadas and papadums. Kachumber bruschetta as an appetizer Kachumber-topped mexican pizzas for a fresh twist Kachumber slaw for burgers and sandwiches
These creative adaptations show the versatility of this simple Indian salad and its ability to complement various cuisines.
Fun Fact
Did you know the Indian Kachumber is the cousin of the Persian Shirazi Salad, except for the addition of Mint. It is also the cousin of Israeli salad, except for the addition of parsley.
Your experiences
We’d love to hear about your kachumber experiences! Have you tried making this salad at home? What’s your favorite way to serve it? Share your thoughts and recipes in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious and easy-to-make recipes from around the world.
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with : The dressing of Kachumber salad is where the magic really happens, mingling all the flavors into one delicious symphony. Start with freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice for that essential citrus spark, and always opt for fresh over bottled for the best taste.
