This is a super simple, plant and protein based appetizer, that will not treat you wrong.
Growing up in India, many "dads"who worked in corporate companies, and entertainment with a lot of booze, all evening long, was very common. Though my dad has quit drinking for many years now, there was a time, where a bottle of Scotch per person, per evening, was the norm.
Those days, all evening, till dinner was served close too midnight, I remember there being a BIG demand for two appetizers - (1) sliced cucumbers with salt, lime & chilli powder (2) Masala Badam (Spiced Nuts). Now it makes sense it terms of hydration and staying full when you are drinking. Not that so much drinking makes any sense at all.
Anyway, this dish is basically a pico de gallo with any kind of nuts you prefer - growing up, my mom used roasted peanuts when she made this.
With a picture of the Masala Badam here, you also see Indian Deviled Eggs. That is what I knew as deviled eggs before I got here. Deviled Egg Recipe coming soon!
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup roasted peanuts (or Sunflower Seeds or cashews or a mix)
1/3 cup finely chopped onion (or to taste)
1 tablespoon lime juice (add more after tasting if you like tangy)
¼ cup chopped tomato (preferably deseeded – just cut tomatoes in half. Take a spoon and scoop out the center. Chop the tomato shell.
1/8 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/8 teaspoon cumin powder
1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro.
Chopped Thai Chilli (optional)
PROCESS
It's works best to chop all the veggies ahead and the lime. Measure out the peanuts in the bowl you plan to serve in.
When guests arrive, add chopped veggies on the peanuts as you see in the picture.
Mix together
Serve immediately.
The first option is to eat it like I did - spoon it onto sideplates and eat with a sp0on.
Another option is to serve with butter lettuce to be eaten as lettuce wraps.
A third option is to serve with tortilla chips, or any interesting chips that will serve as an edible spoon.
Please email me at lovecookyoga@gmail.com if anything is unclear or if you have any questions. If you try this recipe and it works for you or made modifications, please leave a comment to let the community know.
Thanks!