Little Gem Salad With Tamarind Dressing

While this sweet-and-sour tamarind-date dressing can be made year-round, it feels meant for the abundant produce of summer and early fall. Developed with turmeric in mind — an ingredient many Somalis add to salads — this recipe balances heirloom tomatoes with the tang of tamarind; it offsets the pungent sharpness of onions and radishes with the caramel-like flavor of dates and maple syrup. This colorful Little Gem salad maintains a glossy coat of dressing, but you can opt for heartier vegetables such as brussels sprouts or kale, depending on the time of year. Pair this salad with a bowl of maraq misir (red lentil soup) for a lovely vegan meal, or eat it alongside a plate of white rice and malaay qumbe (coconut fish curry).

Ingredients

• 1 large soft medjool date, pitted
• 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
• 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon tamarind concentrate
• 1 large garlic clove, grated
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cups Little Gem lettuce leaves
• 0.5 cucumber, halved lengthwise then sliced into half-moons
• 0.5 white onion, sliced
• 3 radishes, sliced
• 2 heirloom tomatoes, sliced

Steps

1. Prepare the dressing: Using a mortar and pestle (or a fork and a bowl), smash one large date until a thick paste forms, about 30 seconds. (If your date is firm and not sticky, you can heat it up in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds to soften.) Add the vinegar, maple syrup, tamarind, garlic, lemon juice and salt, and mix. Drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to mix. (You’ll have 1/2 cup dressing.)
2. Assemble the salad: Arrange lettuce on a plate or in a salad bowl and toss with a little dressing. Top with cucumbers, onion, radishes and heirloom tomatoes. Drizzle more salad dressing over the salad. Eat immediately or pre-arrange your salad and add the dressing right before serving. Salad can last in the fridge for a day or two. The tamarind salad dressing can last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.