Tomato salad with tofu cheese

Tomato salad with tofu cheese and cumin: a healthy and delicious choice during fasting

It is a beautiful time when we prepare ourselves spiritually and physically for the joyful holidays. During this period, many of us choose to fast, and healthy dishes become a priority. Today, I will share with you a simple, quick, and flavorful recipe: tomato salad with cumin-flavored tofu cheese. This salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also an explosion of flavors that will delight your taste buds.

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Essential ingredients:

- 1 small, fresh green salad leaf
- 8-10 medium-sized cherry tomatoes
- 200 grams of cumin tofu cheese
- ½ red onion
- 15-20 pitted olives
- 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 3-4 slices of lemon
- Lemon juice (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Oregano (optional, if the tofu cheese is not seasoned)

For serving:
- 2-4 slices of toasted bread

A short story about tomato salad:

Tomato salad is a classic dish loved by many cultures. It offers a perfect combination of freshness and flavor, and the addition of tofu cheese makes it a suitable dish for Christmas fasting. Tofu cheese not only brings a creamy texture and rich flavor, but it is also an excellent source of plant-based protein. Cumin, a spice with a millennia-old history, enriches the dish with a distinct aroma, making every bite a true pleasure.

Steps for a perfect salad:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing all the vegetables under a stream of cold water. Let them drain on a clean towel to remove excess water.

2. Slicing the onion: Peel the red onion and slice it into thin strips, julienne-style. Red onion is milder than yellow onion, adding a sweet note to your salad. If you prefer a more delicate flavor, you can use green onion if it's in season.

3. Preparing the tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are ideal for this recipe, but if you use larger tomatoes, slice them. Cherry tomatoes can simply be halved, bringing a colorful and fresh look to your salad.

4. Tofu cheese: Drain the tofu cheese and dry it well. Cut it into cubes so that it perfectly integrates into the salad. If you can't find cumin tofu cheese, you can use classic tofu and add your desired spices.

5. Toasting the bread: Toast the slices of bread until they turn golden and crispy. These will add a textural element and perfectly complement the salad.

6. Assembling the salad: In a large bowl, add the chopped green salad, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and tofu cheese cubes. Gently mix the ingredients to combine them.

7. Seasoning: Add lemon slices and season with salt, pepper, and oregano if the tofu cheese is not already seasoned. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice to taste. Mix again to evenly distribute the flavors.

8. Cooling: Let the salad chill for 15-20 minutes for the flavors to meld together. This step is essential for achieving a salad with an intense and delicious taste.

9. Serving: Serve the salad on a platter alongside the toasted bread slices. You can also add a few extra lemon slices for an aesthetically pleasing touch.

Practical tips:

- Varieties of tomatoes: You can experiment with different types of tomatoes. Roma or vine tomatoes can offer a different flavor and interesting texture.
- Olives: Use green or black olives, depending on your preferences. Pitted olives are ideal to avoid discomfort when serving.
- Olive oil: If you don't have olive oil, you can use sunflower oil, but the taste will be different. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended to add a note of sophistication.
- Variations: You can also add other ingredients such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or avocado for an extra touch of creativity and nutrients.

Nutritional values and calories:

This salad is not only delicious but also healthy. Each serving has approximately 200 calories, being rich in vitamins, minerals, and plant-based proteins. Tomatoes are excellent sources of antioxidants, and tofu cheese provides cholesterol-free protein, making it a perfect choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use plain tofu cheese?
Yes, but in this case, I recommend adding spices such as cumin, paprika, or even fresh herbs for an extra flavor boost.

2. What other ingredients can I add to the salad?
You can add avocado, bell peppers, or green olives to customize your salad.

3. Can the salad be stored in the fridge?
It is recommended to consume the salad fresh, but you can keep leftovers in the fridge for 1-2 days.

4. What drinks pair well with this salad?
A cold lemonade or herbal tea pairs perfectly with this salad, bringing an extra touch of freshness.

This tomato salad with tofu cheese and cumin is an excellent choice for fasting meals, but it can also be served as an appetizer on a relaxing evening with loved ones. Enjoy every bite and savor its flavors!