Kachumbari is an east African salad eaten mainly in Kenya.

It is also popular in the neighboring countries like Tanzania, Uganda, and Zanzibar.

This Kenyan salad consists of tomatoes and onions as the main components.

However, people add other ingredients like cucumber and avocado depending on preference.

Trust me when I say that kachumbari is the epitome of simplicity.  It is so simple you can whip it up in no time.

Serve Kachumbari as a side dish or condiment for pilau rice and Kenyan grilled meat known as “nyama choma.”

This Kenyan salad is bathed in the fresh, tangy taste of lime juice and crowned with the ambrosial touch of coriander.

It’s so refreshing and perfect for hot summer days.  It is healthy too so, indulge as much as you want.

 

 

The Origin of Kachumbari

The Swahili word “Kachumbari” originated from the Indian word “cachumber.”  It simply means “tomato and onion salad.”

Kachumbari is popular in the East African region because East Africa is home to millions of Indians who migrated many years ago.

 

 

Kachumbari

 

How to Make Kachumbari

To start off, I wash all the vegetables required for making kachumbari. I pat them dry with disposable kitchen towels before proceeding to the next step.

I then chop the onions finely, add them in a bowl of salted water and wash for about a minute.  This process eliminates the pungent and bitter taste present in the onions.  It also makes them milder and more flavorful.

After that, I chop all the other ingredients and place them in a large bowl.

Finally, I add the lime juice, olive oil and salt to taste and I am good to go.

 

 

Kachumbari

 

I love using cherry tomatoes instead of regular tomatoes. I find that cherry tomatoes have a more intense flavor.  Therefore, if you have access to cherry tomatoes, try using those instead.

Also, adding avocado isn’t compulsory for this recipe. However, I suggest you add it. Avocado gives an irresistible creaminess that renders this Kenyan salad perfect.

 

 

Tips / Alternative ingredients for Kachumbari

For a less spicy kachumbari, deseed the pepper before chopping.  But if you can handle the heat, go ahead and leave the seeds in.

Also, substitute lime for lemon if that is all you have.  It’s not a big deal.

The original Kachumbari recipe only requires salt but add black pepper too if you prefer.

 

 

Kachumbari

 

Kachumbari is heavenly and so damn easy to make!  Make it for friends, make it for family or make it for yourself.

You deserve it!

kachumbari
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5 from 8 votes

Kachumbari (Kenyan Salad / Kenyan Salsa)

Kachumbari is an east African tomato and onion salad eaten mainly in Kenya but also prevalent in the neighboring countries like Tanzania, Uganda, and Zanzibar.  This Kenyan salad is made of tomatoes and onions as the main components but may contain other ingredients like cucumber and avocado.
Course Salad
Cuisine African, Indian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 people
Author Jayne Rain

Ingredients

  • 1 medium red onion
  • 300 g red cherry tomatoes (or 2 to 3 large tomatoes)
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1 handful fresh coriander leaves
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt (to taste)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small chili (optional)

for preparing the onion

  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 200 ml water

Instructions

  • Add 1 tsp of sea salt in a bowl with 200 ml of water, mix till dissolved and set aside.
     
  • Meanwhile, finely dice the onion. Place the onion in the bowl of salty water and massage for 30 seconds and then allow soak for about 5 minute. This process will help in the reduction of the pungent onion flavor.
  • Drain the onions thoroughly and transfer to a medium bowl.
  • Finely dice the tomatoes, the cilantro and avocado.   Add them to the onions.
  • Using plastic gloves deseed the chili and chop finely.
  • Add the chili to the rest of the vegetables
  • Finish by adding the ½ tsp salt (or salt to taste), olive oil and the lime juice.
  • Mix well and adjust the seasoning to your taste.
  • Serve kachumbari with pilau rice or any other dish of choice.  

Notes

Deseed the chili before chopping to cut the spiciness.
 

What do you think about this Kachumbari recipe?  Have you tried it out? Meet me in the comment section below and share your thoughts. I would love to hear from you.

 

 

If you loved this recipe, you might also be interested in my Broccoli Apple Salad. 

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