Recipes
Kachumbari
Serves 4
| Prep Time: 10 mins
| Cook Time: 0 mins
| Total Time: 10 mins
You may need: Grains of Paradise
Discover The Recipe
Kachumbari. It's the kind of dish that tells you everything you need to know about a place without saying a word. A simple, no-nonsense salad made with tomatoes, onions, and just enough heat to keep you on your toes. This isn’t just a salad; Kachumbari (African Tomato and Onion Salad) a staple across East Africa, a side dish that’s as essential to the local table as the landscape is to the region.
You’ll find Kachumbari on street corners in Kenya, next to grilled meats at a barbecue, or even alongside a plate of nyama choma—Kenya’s answer to barbecue, where meat is king. The ingredients are straightforward: tomatoes, onions, cilantro, a bit of chili if you’re feeling brave, and a squeeze of lime to pull it all together. But don’t let the simplicity fool you. The flavors are as bold as the African sun, and just as unforgettable.
In this version, we’ve thrown in avocado for some creaminess and cucumber for a bit of crunch. And because we can’t resist, we’ve seasoned it with Grains of Paradise—a spice that brings a peppery, slightly citrusy note that’s the perfect match for the fresh ingredients. The result? A salad that’s bright, refreshing, and a little bit fiery—just like East Africa itself. Serve it up with your favorite grilled meats or veggies, use it as a tapenade on toast or pile it on grilled fish–or eat it straight out of the bowl! It’s a taste of East Africa that’ll have you coming back for more.
Ingredients
1 avocado, pitted and chopped
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
1/2 small red onion, diced
1 large tomato, diced
1 large tomato, diced
1 serrano chili, minced
1 tsp Piquant Post Grains of Paradise, ground in a spice grinder or coffee grinder
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lime
2 Tbsp olive oil
Salt to taste
Notes
For a deeper flavor, let the Kachumbari marinate in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the vegetables to absorb the lime or lemon juice and meld the flavors together.
For a smoky flavor, lightly char some of the vegetables like tomatoes or peppers on a grill or in a hot skillet before adding them to the salad.
Adding fruits like mango, pineapple, or pomegranate seeds can provide a unique twist and a burst of sweetness.
Instructions
Chop and prepare the avocado, cucumber, onion, tomato, cilantro, and chili. Transfer to a medium mixing bowl.
Grind the Grains of Paradise in a coffee grinder or spice grinder and add to the mixing bowl.
Mix the ingredients well and add the lime juice, olive oil, and salt. Toss well.
Season to taste with salt and serve garnished with more chopped cilantro and lime.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, or chopped nuts like peanuts or cashews for added crunch and protein.
Mix in some finely chopped kale, spinach, or arugula for extra nutrition and a different texture.
Looking for more great Grains of Paradise recipes? Try our African Groundnut Stew with Chicken or our Apple Cobbler with Grains of Paradise.
Be sure to leave comments and feedback on your meals and experiments in the comments for others to read.
Post pictures of your masterpiece meal on social media and tag us. We repost!
Kachumbari
Serves
4
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
0 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Piquant Post spice you'll need: Grains of Paradise
Ingredients
1 avocado, pitted and chopped
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
1/2 small red onion, diced
1 large tomato, diced
1 large tomato, diced
1 serrano chili, minced
1 tsp Piquant Post Grains of Paradise, ground in a spice grinder or coffee grinder
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lime
2 Tbsp olive oil
Salt to taste
Instructions
Chop and prepare the avocado, cucumber, onion, tomato, cilantro, and chili. Transfer to a medium mixing bowl.
Grind the Grains of Paradise in a coffee grinder or spice grinder and add to the mixing bowl.
Mix the ingredients well and add the lime juice, olive oil, and salt. Toss well.
Season to taste with salt and serve garnished with more chopped cilantro and lime.
Notes
For a deeper flavor, let the Kachumbari marinate in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the vegetables to absorb the lime or lemon juice and meld the flavors together.
For a smoky flavor, lightly char some of the vegetables like tomatoes or peppers on a grill or in a hot skillet before adding them to the salad.
Adding fruits like mango, pineapple, or pomegranate seeds can provide a unique twist and a burst of sweetness.
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