Bright & Flavorful Timatim Jeweled Salad
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Ingredients
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4 medium Ripe tomatoes
(Use a variety of colors (red, yellow, orange) for a jewel effect)
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1/2 cup Fresh parsley
(Finely chopped)
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1/4 cup Fresh Mint Leaves
(Chopped finely to add brightness)
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1/4 cup Finely chopped red onion
(Soak in cold water for a mild flavor)
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1 tbsp Sumac powder
(Adds tangy citrus notes)
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3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
(Use high quality for best flavor)
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2 tbsp Freshly squeezed lemon juice
(Adjust to taste)
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1 tsp Sea salt
(Adjust according to taste)
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1/2 tsp Black pepper
(Freshly ground)
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1/3 cup Pomegranate seeds
(For bracing jewel-like bursts)
-
2 tbsp Toasted pine nuts
(Garnish, optional for crunch)
(Use a variety of colors (red, yellow, orange) for a jewel effect)
(Finely chopped)
(Chopped finely to add brightness)
(Soak in cold water for a mild flavor)
(Adds tangy citrus notes)
(Use high quality for best flavor)
(Adjust to taste)
(Adjust according to taste)
(Freshly ground)
(For bracing jewel-like bursts)
(Garnish, optional for crunch)
Nutrition
- Servings: 4
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (150g)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Calcium: 40 mg
- Iron: 1.2 mg
Instructions
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1 - Prepare Tomatoes:
Wash tomatoes and cut them into small, uneven chunks resembling jewel facets for visual appeal and texture.
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2 - Mix Herbs and Onions:
Combine finely chopped parsley, mint, and optionally soaked red onion in a large serving bowl.
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3 - Add Tomatoes and Seasoning:
Add chopped tomatoes to the herbs. Sprinkle sumac, sea salt, and black pepper evenly over the mixture.
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4 - Dress the Salad:
Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice. Gently toss everything together to coat ingredients evenly without bruising the tomatoes.
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5 - Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with pomegranate seeds and toasted pine nuts if using. Serve immediately or chilled for 10 minutes to enhance flavors.
Wash tomatoes and cut them into small, uneven chunks resembling jewel facets for visual appeal and texture.
Combine finely chopped parsley, mint, and optionally soaked red onion in a large serving bowl.
Add chopped tomatoes to the herbs. Sprinkle sumac, sea salt, and black pepper evenly over the mixture.
Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice. Gently toss everything together to coat ingredients evenly without bruising the tomatoes.
Garnish with pomegranate seeds and toasted pine nuts if using. Serve immediately or chilled for 10 minutes to enhance flavors.
More About: Bright & Flavorful Timatim Jeweled Salad
Timatim Jeweled Salad: A Celebration of Freshness and Color
The Timatim Jeweled Salad exemplifies the rich culinary heritage of the Levantine region, especially Jordan, where vibrant fresh produce and aromatic herbs make simple dishes sing with flavor. Timatim means tomato in Arabic, and this salad carefully elevates the humble tomato to a colorful star studded with contrasting fresh herbs and tangy seasonings, mimicking a jeweler's beautifully cut gems.
Summary
This salad is made using a variety of ripe heirloom tomatoes cut into irregular shapes to create a striking visual mosaic. The mixture of parsley and mint crown the dish with a fresh green brightness, while the optional pop of ruby-like pomegranate seeds adds sweetness and a festive texture that complements the tart zing of sumac and lemon dressings.
Tips & Notes
- Choosing a multitude of tomato colors and sizes is key to its unique appearance and taste vibrancy — seek out orange, yellow, and deep red varieties at farmer’s markets.
- Soaking red onions briefly in cold water diminishes their sharp bite and mellows them subtly, suitable for those preferring mild flavors.
- Sumac, a tangy Middle Eastern spice made from dried berries, is a vital flavor profile that offers a citrusy zest without adding liquid acidity.
- Pine nuts provide a toasted, creamy crunch contrasting with the juicy tomatoes — if unavailable, shelled pistachios or walnuts can substitute.
History and Cultural Significance
The dish balances the Middle East’s bounty and centuries-old traditions of mixing spices and fresh garden herbs with modest ingredients. Tomato salads like this one are pillars of mezze—the range of small dishes accompanying meals—which foster sharing, celebration, and communal dining.
Unique Aspects & Personal Thoughts
The jewel metaphor inspires the recipe's name and encourages creative plating—it delights diners visually before the flavors even hit the palate. Its adaptability, simplicity, and wholesomeness make it an everyday salad that also dazzles during festive occasions or special feasts, symbolizing beauty found in fresh, healthy ingredients. This salad invites us to slow down and savor freshness emphasizing how naturally vibrant dishes can be when quality vegetables meet well-chosen herbs and spices.
Ultimately, Timatim Jeweled Salad is a reminder that remarkable taste can arise from agricultural abundance and culinary creativity, celebrating natural hues and nourishing simplicity.
