Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Checca - Indian-style OR Italian-style (Chopped Tomato Salad)

Checca

Fresh Tomato Salad is irresistible whether they are prepared the Indian or Italian way; the basics are the same - only the choice of oil and some herbs are slightly different. Which way to go? - a tough choice since both are delicious!

Indian Tomato Salaad is a delicious chopped salad redolent with lemony cilantro and perky hot green chiles. It is often served with pulavs and biriyanis (fragrant rice dishes) or with everyday meals of rice/roti, parathas, and curries. Coconut oil is optional; but great when there are lots of green chiles, especially hot ones!

Italian Checca ("Kekka"), a wonderful chopped salad/sauce full of fragrant basil is delicious served in so many ways: over pasta, crostini (toasts), or as a side salad .... in short, any way you like!

Whichever type you make, refreshing and delicious Checca should be prepared with flavorful fresh ripe tomatoes; sweet flavorful cherry tomatoes are particularly suited for making checca.Optional ingredients listed under the Indian or Italian style salads may be added as desired. The salad may be spicy or mild.
Indian Style Checca With Dal Paratha
I love using homegrown tomatoes, particularly the pear-shaped yellow ones; other types of cherry as well as regular tomatoes are good too.  

Note: Whether you choose Inidian or Italian style, do not refrigerate if possible and serve at room temperature for best flavor. Checca may be chopped finely to use as a sauce for pasta.

Ingredients:

Basic Checca:
1 Pint ripe tomatoes (about 12 oz), diced
1 or 2 large Shallots, finely chopped
1 large clove Garlic, minced (optional)
2 Tbsp Flatleaf Parsley, finely chopped
1/2 tsp Sea Salt
Freshly ground Black Pepper, to taste

Indian-style:
2-3 mild/hot Green Chiles, minced
1 Stem Curry Leaves, minced
1 small Lime/Lemon, juice
1/3 - 1/2 cup fresh Cilantro, chopped + extra for garnish
2-3 tsp melted cool Coconut Oil (optional)
1-2 small slices, Lemon from  Lemon Pickles, very finely chopped (optional)
1 Handful, Brown or Tan Chana (optional)

Italian-style:
1/3 - 1/2 cup fresh Basil, chopped + extra for garnish
2-3 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 tsp hot Red Pepper flakes (optional)
1 Handful Olives, sliced (optional)
1-3 Pepperoncini, chopped (optional)
2 oz Vegan Mozzarella (optional)

Method:

Combine the tomatoes, shallots, and herbs in a bowl.

Decide whether to make Indian or Italian style; have your choice of ingredients ready. Add the other ingredients based on Indian or Italian, including any optional ones to the tomato bowl. One or more of the optional ingredients may be added.

Sprinkle with the salt and pepper, oil.

Mix well and let rest at room temperature for a few minutes to develop flavors.

Stir well and serve.  Enjoy!!

Indian Style Checca With Dal Paratha


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