Savory Sephardic Salsa: Authentic Middle Eastern Tomato Garlic Salad by Tori Avey

This garlicky tomato salad comes from the Sephardic side of my husband’s family. Though it seems simple, it’s surprisingly flavorful thanks to a healthy dose of raw garlic and a zesty kick from jalapeno peppers. The spiciness in the jalapenos comes from a naturally occurring compound called capsaicin, which can be helpful with migraine relief, clearing up sinus congestion, and even reducing cholesterol and inflammation. When jalapenos are combined with tomatoes, heart-healthy olive oil and garlic, it makes for a powerfully healthy garnish.

The key to making this dish work is using fresh, quality ingredients. Use a good quality olive oil with a flavor you like. Chop up some fresh garlic, don’t rely on the jarred pre-minced variety. Fresh squeezed lemon juice is a must. Don’t skimp. It only has a few ingredients, so make sure they’re good ones. Salt will really bring out the garlicky flavor in this dish, so don’t be afraid to sprinkle on more till it tastes just right. The texture of this salad is somewhat reminiscent of a garlicky Mexican salsa fresca, which is why I call it Sephardic Salsa. It’s not super spicy; you can add more jalapeños or a touch of cayenne pepper for more heat, if desired. Alternatively, for a more mild salad, you can roast the jalapeños before adding them to the salad. Serve this as a side salad, as an alternative to salsa, or as a topping for grilled fish. Goes great with freshly Baked Pita Chips. It would make a tasty variation on salsa at your Super Bowl celebration, or anytime you need a garnish with a kick.

To learn how to make crispy homemade Baked Pita Chips, click here.

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Sephardic Salsa

Recipe for Sephardic Salsa, a simple Middle Eastern salad with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, jalapeños and lemon juice. Kosher, Pareve, Passover. 

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COURSE: Salad

Kosher Key: Parve, Kosher for Passover

Servings: 8 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Ingredients

• 10 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 2-3 jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, or more to taste
• Salt to taste

Instructions

• Place all ingredients in a salad bowl and stir until blended. Salt will really bring out the garlicky flavor in this dish, so don't be afraid to sprinkle on more till it tastes just right.
• Allow to marinate at room temperature for 1 hour. Serve.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Sephardic Salsa

Amount Per Serving

Calories 98 Calories from Fat 81

% Daily Value*

Fat 9g14%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Sodium 4mg0%

Potassium 211mg6%

Carbohydrates 4g1%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 2g2%

Vitamin A 750IU15%

Vitamin C 18.5mg22%

Calcium 10mg1%

Iron 0.3mg2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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