🇹 Ethiopian · Traditional Side Dishes & Condiments
🍅 Ethiopian Tomato Salad — Classic
ቲማቲም ሰላጣ — Timatim Selata (Kilasik)
Ethiopian Classic Tomato Salad — very ripe tomatoes diced with onion, green jalapeño, and coriander, dressed with lemon and oil. This extended version includes roasted green pepper and a touch of cumin for depth beyond the simpler ETH119.
The classic tomato salad (distinct from the simpler ETH119) adds roasted green pepper and cumin — two elements that lift it from a fresh salad to something with more cooked depth. The roasted pepper skin adds a charred note.
Ingredients
Equipment: Bowl, Open flame or grill for pepper
- 4 very ripe tomatoes — diced small
- 1 green pepper — roasted, peeled, finely diced
- ½ red onion — very finely diced
- 2 jalapeños — finely sliced
- ¼ cup fresh coriander
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
Method
- Roast green pepper directly over gas flame or under grill until charred all over.
- Place in a sealed bag 5 minutes. Peel, deseed, and finely dice.
- Combine tomatoes, roasted pepper, onion, and jalapeño.
- Dress with lemon, oil, cumin, and salt.
- Add coriander. Toss gently.
- Rest 5 minutes. Serve.
Chef Tips
- The roasted pepper is the upgrading element — the charred note adds depth.
- Rest 5 minutes — salt draws out the tomato juices.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the roasted pepper — the simpler version is ETH119.
The Science
Roasting the green pepper triggers Maillard reactions on its skin and partially caramelises its sugars — producing complex flavour compounds (pyrazines, furans) that add a smoky, complex note absent from raw peppers.
Nutrition (per serving)
Health Benefits
- Lycopene.
- Roasted pepper — higher beta-carotene bioavailability when cooked.
- Very low calorie.
Cultural Note
The classic Ethiopian tomato salad with roasted pepper is the marker of a cook who goes further — who takes the time to roast the pepper rather than adding it raw. It is attention to detail expressed as food.
Storage & Serving
Storage: Best eaten immediately.
Reheating: Not applicable.
Serve with: Alongside all grilled and fried dishes, On the full mesob platter