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Tags and nutritional info are auto-generated and may be inaccurate. Always check the full ingredient list before cooking.
Slice the cucumber into thin rounds. Toss them with ½ tsp salt and let them sit in a colander for 10 minutes to draw out excess water.
Gently squeeze the slices and pat dry with a paper towel.
Chill the cucumbers in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before assembling.
In a heat-proof bowl, place the minced garlic, chilli flakes, and the remaining ¼ tsp salt.
Heat the olive oil until shimmering, then pour it directly over the garlic and chilli. It should sizzle to remove the raw 'bite' of the garlic.
Whisk in the lemon juice and jaggery or brown sugar until fully dissolved.
In a large bowl, combine the chilled cucumber, crushed peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, pomegranate, and fresh coriander.
Pour the dressing over the top, sprinkle with roasted cumin powder, and toss lightly.
Serve immediately for the ultimate crunch.
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Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, but peel them and scrape out the seed core first. That watery centre is what makes a salad go limp.
Can I substitute jaggery powder with another sweetener?
Brown sugar works one-for-one. Honey works but is more assertive. Maple syrup is fine too. The 2 tsp is balancing the lemon rather than sweetening.
How long can I store this salad?
Up to 24 hours refrigerated, but it's a made-to-order dish. The cucumber softens and the nuts lose crunch well before that.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, 2 days refrigerated. It thickens, so whisk it before using.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, entirely — cucumber, nuts, seeds, pomegranate, herbs, oil, lemon and jaggery. Nothing to change.
Can I make this nut-free or sesame-free?
Both. Swap the peanuts for roasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Leave the sesame out or use nigella seeds. Neither change affects the dressing or method.
What if I don't have a heatproof bowl for the dressing?
Use metal or ceramic, or make it in a small saucepan off the heat. Avoid thin glass, which can crack when shimmering oil hits it.
How far ahead can I prepare this for a BBQ?
Dressing 2 days ahead, cucumbers sliced and drained 4 hours ahead, nuts crushed and pomegranate deseeded in advance. Assemble at the last minute.
Why is my salad watery at the bottom?
The cucumbers weren't drained, or weren't squeezed after draining. Cucumber is around 95% water. Dressing it too early has the same effect.
Can I add protein to make this a meal?
Crumbled paneer, chickpeas or shredded chicken all work stirred through at the end. Keep additions dry rather than saucy, and add a little extra dressing.
