Dobrogea salad
Dobrogea Salad
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
I invite you to discover a simple yet incredibly tasty salad recipe that combines the fresh flavors of vegetables with salty cheese, offering an authentic and comforting taste. Dobrogea salad is a versatile dish, ideal for warm summer days or as a side dish for various festive meals. This salad has deep roots in culinary traditions, often associated with the delicious treats of an outdoor meal.
Essential ingredients:
- 4 ripe tomatoes
- 2 green onions
- 100 g salty telemea cheese (preferably sheep's milk for a more intense flavor)
- A handful of fresh dill
- A handful of fresh parsley
- Olives (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
- 3-4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Wash the tomatoes well under cold running water. Cut them into small cubes, making sure to remove the stems. Fresh tomatoes are the key to a tasty salad, so ensure you choose quality, ripe, yet firm tomatoes.
2. Green onions: Clean the green onions and slice them thinly. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use only the green part, which has a more delicate flavor.
3. Cheese: Grate the telemea cheese, preferably sheep's milk, to achieve a creamy texture. The cheese adds a salty note that perfectly complements the tomatoes and onions.
4. Fresh herbs: Finely chop the dill and parsley. These aromatic herbs not only provide freshness to the salad but also add a splash of color.
5. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients: tomatoes, green onions, grated cheese, dill, and parsley. If you choose to add olives, slice them thinly and include them in the mix.
6. Seasoning: Drizzle the salad with 3-4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Gently mix the ingredients with a wooden spoon or your hands to avoid crushing the tomatoes. Taste and adjust the salt, considering that the cheese is already salty.
7. Serving: Dobrogea salad is excellent immediately after preparation, but even better if you let it sit for a few minutes for the flavors to blend. You can serve this salad alongside fresh bread or as a side dish to grilled meat dishes.
Tips and tricks:
- You can also add diced bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
- If you want a spicy note, add a few slices of hot pepper.
- Instead of olive oil, you can use grape seed oil for a subtle flavor.
Nutritional benefits:
This salad is not only delicious but also very healthy. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that helps protect the body, while sheep's cheese is a good source of calcium and protein. Fresh herbs are packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
Calories: Approximately 150 calories per serving, depending on the amount of olive oil used.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can use feta or cottage cheese, but the taste will be different.
2. What type of olives are best for this salad?
Green or black olives, depending on your preference.
3. How can I turn this salad into a main dish?
Add some cooked chicken cubes or canned tuna for a protein boost.
Complementary recipes:
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled dishes, such as pork chops or marinated chicken. You can also enjoy it alongside a cold tomato soup or a platter of cheeses and cold cuts.
I hope you enjoy this Dobrogea salad and that it brings you closer to culinary traditions! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 4 tomatoes, 2 green onions, 100 g salted telemea cheese (preferably sheep's milk), fresh dill, parsley, olives (optional), olive oil (3-4 tablespoons)
