Spicy Carrot Salad

Spicy Carrot Salad - an explosion of flavors and colors on your plate

If you're looking for a simple, healthy, and quick recipe, you've come to the right place! Spicy carrot salad is perfect for hot summer days, but can be enjoyed in any season. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of health to your diet. Carrots are packed with vitamins, especially vitamin A, which is beneficial for vision, as well as antioxidants that help maintain a strong immune system.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rest time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 5 medium carrots
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon dried coriander seeds
- 1 garlic clove
- a pinch of paprika
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- juice from half a lemon
- 100 g feta cheese (you can also use telemea if you prefer)
- half a bunch of freshly chopped parsley

Recipe history:
Spicy carrot salad has deep roots in culinary traditions that appreciate raw vegetables enriched with aromatic spices. This combination highlights the natural sweetness of the carrots, while the spices add a spicy note that transforms a simple salad into a memorable culinary experience. It is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to your preferences.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the carrots. Make sure to choose fresh, crunchy carrots to achieve a delicious salad. Grate them on a large grater to get long, thin strips that will easily mix with the other ingredients.

2. Aromatic spices: Use a mortar and pestle to crush the cumin seeds and coriander. This step is essential as it releases the essential oils from the seeds, giving the salad an intense fragrance and unique flavor. Add the sliced garlic clove, a pinch of paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.

3. Preparing the aromatic oil: In a pan, add the 4 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the spice and garlic mixture, frying everything for a few minutes until the oil becomes aromatic and the garlic is lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter.

4. Mixing the carrots: Add the grated carrots to the pan along with the juice from half a lemon. Mix well to integrate all the flavors. Turn off the heat and let the carrots 'make friends' with the flavors for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the ingredients to develop a complex flavor.

5. Finalizing the salad: Once the mixture has cooled slightly, add the crumbled cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Gently mix to avoid crushing the cheese. Here you can also add a personal touch: you can incorporate some toasted nuts or pumpkin seeds for added texture.

6. Serving: Spicy carrot salad can be served as is, as a side dish, or alongside a spoonful of yogurt for a creamy contrast. I recommend pairing it with warm flatbreads or lamb chops for a complete and delicious meal.

Practical tips:
- If you want an even spicier salad, you can add a dash of ground chili pepper.
- Replace feta with cottage cheese for a lighter version.
- Experiment with different herbs, such as mint or dill, to change the flavor profile.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen carrots? It is not recommended, as the texture and taste will not be the same.
2. How can I store the salad? It is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days in an airtight container.
3. Can I add other vegetables? Yes, you can add bell peppers or grated zucchini to enrich the salad.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This salad is not only delicious but also healthy! Each serving contains approximately 150 calories, being rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, and olive oil brings healthy fats for the heart.

Possible variations:
- You can transform the salad into a vegetarian dish by adding cooked chickpeas or lentils to make it more filling.
- If you want an Asian twist, replace the lemon with soy sauce and add some strips of fresh ginger.

So, don't hesitate to try this captivating spicy carrot salad recipe! It's simple, quick, and will bring a splash of color and health to your table. I encourage you to share with me how it turned out and what variations you tried! Bon appétit!