Spicy Lebanese Tomato Salsa with Mint
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Middle East with this Spicy Lebanese Tomato Salsa, also known as Banadurah Harrah. This zesty and aromatic dip showcases juicy, ripe tomatoes, infused with the essence of garlic and the warmth of cayenne pepper, perfectly balanced with aromatic dried mint. Ideal for serving alongside crispy fried eggplant, savory herbed meatballs, or simply enjoyed with warm pita bread, this salsa brings a fiery yet refreshing twist to your appetizer spread. It’s the perfect addition to any gathering, tantalizing your taste buds with every bite.
N/A
Servings
30
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomatoes
2 lbs (Firm and ripe; stems removed, peeled, seeded, and finely diced)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 tablespoons (For cooking)
Garlic Cloves
3 (Crushed)
Cayenne Pepper
1 teaspoon (For spiciness)
Dried Mint
1 tablespoon (For flavor)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the tomatoes: Cut out the stems and place the tomatoes in a bowl. Pour boiling water over them to help loosen the skins. Let them sit for about 1-2 minutes, then peel off the skins, remove the seeds, and finely dice the flesh.
2
In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced tomatoes and crushed garlic. Sauté this mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the tomatoes start to break down and become soft.
3
Sprinkle in the cayenne pepper and dried mint, then season with salt to taste. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring to ensure even cooking. The mixture should thicken and any excess liquid from the tomatoes should evaporate.
4
Once cooked, remove the salsa from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or cayenne if desired. Serve the salsa alongside your favorite dishes or enjoy it on its own with pita bread.
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
5g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Lebanese Tomato Salsa?
Spicy Lebanese Tomato Salsa, also known as Banadurah Harrah, is a zesty and aromatic Middle Eastern dip featuring ripe tomatoes, garlic, cayenne pepper, and dried mint.
What is the traditional name for this recipe?
The traditional Lebanese name for this spicy tomato salsa is Banadurah Harrah.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it contains only plant-based ingredients like tomatoes, olive oil, and spices.
Is the salsa gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients used in this salsa are naturally gluten-free.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 30 calories.
What is the fat content of this salsa?
The salsa contains 2g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe provide any protein?
Yes, it contains 1g of protein per serving.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 5 main ingredients: tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, cayenne pepper, and dried mint.
How do I easily peel the tomatoes?
To peel the tomatoes, cut out the stems and place them in a bowl of boiling water for 1-2 minutes to loosen the skins.
Do I need to remove the tomato seeds?
Yes, the instructions recommend removing the seeds before dicing the flesh for the best texture.
What type of oil is best for this recipe?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor and authenticity in Mediterranean cooking.
How much garlic is used in the salsa?
The recipe calls for 3 crushed garlic cloves.
What gives the salsa its spicy kick?
The heat in this salsa comes from 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Why is dried mint used?
Dried mint is used to provide a specific aromatic and refreshing flavor profile typical of Lebanese cuisine.
How long should I sauté the tomatoes and garlic?
You should sauté the diced tomatoes and crushed garlic for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
When do I add the spices?
Add the cayenne pepper and dried mint after the initial 5 minutes of sautéing the tomatoes.
How long is the total cooking time for the mixture?
After adding spices, cook for another 5 minutes, making the total cooking time approximately 10 minutes.
What should the consistency of the salsa be?
The mixture should thicken as excess liquid from the tomatoes evaporates during the cooking process.
Should this salsa be served hot?
The instructions recommend allowing the salsa to cool to room temperature before serving.
What are some serving suggestions for this salsa?
It is delicious with crispy fried eggplant, herbed meatballs, or warm pita bread.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, once cooled, you can taste and adjust the salt or cayenne pepper to suit your preference.
How many pounds of tomatoes do I need?
You will need 2 lbs of firm and ripe tomatoes.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish is characterized by being zesty, aromatic, spicy, and refreshing.
Is this a good appetizer for parties?
Yes, it is described as a perfect addition to any gathering or appetizer spread.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
Based on the plant-based ingredients, this recipe is naturally cholesterol-free.
What category of cuisine does this belong to?
It belongs to Middle Eastern and specifically Lebanese cuisine.
Can I use fresh mint instead?
While the recipe calls for dried mint for its specific flavor, fresh mint can be used as a variation, though the taste will differ.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, there is no added sugar in this recipe.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is preparing the tomatoes by stemming, blanching in boiling water, peeling, seeding, and dicing them.