Carrot Salad With Cumin and Coriander
These lemony carrots taste lovely just as the recipe is written, perfumed with toasted cumin and coriander, a hint of garlic, and a touch of cayenne. This recipe draws its inspiration from Moroccan carrot salads, many of which use cooked vegetables, but this version uses slivered raw carrots instead. But if you want to splash out, try a pinch of cinnamon, and top with lots of fluffy chopped cilantro and thinly sliced jalapeño. Or add crumbled feta and olives. For the best-looking salad, use the julienne blade of a food processor, or cut the carrots into thin matchstick shapes with a sharp knife. The large holes of a box grater will work, too, but the result won’t be quite as attractive. (But avoid those supermarket bags of pre-grated carrots. They’re not suitable here.)
- Total:
- Serves: 4 persons
Ingredients
- 1pound medium carrots, peeled and cut into thin matchsticks or grated
- 3tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- 1small garlic clove, grated
- ½teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted and ground
- ½teaspoon coriander seeds, toasted and ground
- Pinch of ground cayenne
- Salt and pepper
- 2tablespoons finely diced preserved lemon (optional)
- Whole mint leaves, for serving
Instructions
Step 1
Put carrots in a medium bowl. Add olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, coriander and cayenne. Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss to coat. Taste, and adjust seasoning. Leave to marinate for 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish.Step 2
To serve, sprinkle with preserved lemon, if you like, and garnish with mint leaves.