Salata Recipes

SALATA

Steps:

• In a mortar and pestle, crush the garlic. Add the pepper and salt and continue mashing until mixture becomes a thick paste. Transfer to a jar along with the lemon juice and canola oil. Shake well.
• In a large bowl, toss together the lettuce, tomatoes and onion. Just before serving, add the cheese and just enough dressing to coat. (There will be extra dressing, but it keeps well.) Toss well.

HORIATIKI SALATA: GREEK SALAD

Steps:

• Wash and dry the tomatoes, cucumber and green pepper. Clean off the outer skin from the onion, wash and dry.
• Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized irregularly shaped chunks, removing the core. Salt lightly. Slice the cucumber into 1/4-inch slices, cutting slices in half (whether or not you peel the cucumber is a personal choice). Salt lightly. Slice the pepper into rings , removing the stem and seeds. Salt lightly. Slice the onion into thin rings.
• Combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, green pepper and onion in a large salad bowl. Sprinkle with oregano, pour olive oil over the salad, and toss.
• Just before serving, place the feta on top of the salad, either as one slice or crumbled, and sprinkle the cheese with oregano (and pepper, if desired). Toss in some olives.
• Mix a little bit of oil with the water and drizzle over the top. Serve garnished with hot peppers.

TARAMOSALATA

Steps:

• Place bread in a bowl, cover with water and let sit until the bread is well soaked, 5 to 10 minutes. Drain water from the bowl and squeeze all of the excess water from the bread.
• Combine bread, olive oil, onion, and lemon juice in a food processor; process until smooth and homogeneous. Add tarama and process until well combined.

PASTA WITH CARROT SAUCE AND RICOTTA SALATA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain.
• Meanwhile, heat the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, leek and garlic and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the carrots begin to soften, about 8 minutes. Add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the vegetables are very tender, about 8 minutes.
• Transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. Wipe out the saucepan and add the carrot puree to the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and heat over medium heat. Add the pasta and toss well to coat, adding the reserved cooking water 1 to 2 tablespoons at a time if the sauce seems too thick. Season with salt.
• Divide the pasta among bowls. Top with the ricotta salata and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if desired.

SALATA TAHINI--MIDDLE EASTERN TAHINI SALAD

Steps:

• *May need to adjust tahini and water levels to desired consistency*. Consistency should be creamy.
• Dice up tomatoes and cucumbers and combine them together in a medium bowl.
• Place garlic, hot pepper and salt in a mortar.
• Smash until mushed.
• Tahini dressing takes a bit of stirring to become creamy so, you can either add tahini,and water in a bowl by itself and mix or you can add to the same bowl with the cucumbers and tomatoes.
• Add lemon in increments to achieve desired tartness.
• Stir the dressing until smooth and creamy.
• combine everything including garlic/hot pepper together making sure you have added the mint.
• Take tbsp of dried mint, Place in hand and take other hand and rub together, this will sort of grind the mint up smaller and separate it from any stems.
• Place in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Serve with a swirl of olive oil on top.
• Enjoy!

TURKISH CABBAGE SALAD (LAHANA SALATA)

Steps:

• Cut the cabbage in half and discard the outer tough leaves and the inner core.
• Cut each half into quarters and wash under cold water.
• Place each quarter on its side and slice very thin slices with a sharp knife.
• Place cabbage and carrots in a bowl and dress it with salt, pepper, oil and vinegar or lemon to taste.
• Toss well with enough dressing to suit your taste and serve.