Achichuk (Uzbek Tomato and Onion Salad)
Local name: Achchiq-chuchuk
In short: Paper-thin tomatoes and onions salted until juicy, with fresh chili and herbs. The sharp, cooling salad that cuts through rich Uzbek plov and kebabs. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Resting
- 15 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 40 kcal
Achichuk is the salad that sits beside almost every rich Uzbek meal. It is nothing more than very thin slices of tomato and onion, salted so that the juices pool, with a little fresh chili and herbs. The sharpness and acidity balance fatty plov, samsa and grilled meat. The salad only works with ripe summer tomatoes, and it should be served within an hour of mixing.
Instructions
- Slice the onion into very thin half-moons. Soak them in cold water for 10 minutes to soften the bite, then drain and pat dry.
- Cut the tomatoes in half from stem to base and slice them into thin half-moons. Lay them in a shallow dish or on a platter.
- Scatter the onion and chili over the tomatoes.
- Sprinkle with the salt and black pepper and let the salad stand for 15 minutes so the tomatoes release their juice.
- Scatter the herbs on top and toss gently once. Serve within an hour, spooning up the juices.
Tips
- Use ripe but firm tomatoes. If yours taste flat, a pinch of sugar brings the flavor forward.
- Cucumber slices are a common addition. Salt them separately and drain them first, or they will water down the salad.
Questions and answers
How long does achichuk keep?
It tastes best within an hour or two. Covered and refrigerated it keeps until the next day, but it turns watery.
What do you serve with achichuk?
Plov, grilled skewers, somsa and fried potatoes. It is also good with plain rice and bread.
Is achichuk spicy?
Only if you want it to be. The chili is optional, and you can leave the seeds out for a milder salad.
How long does it take to make Achichuk (Uzbek Tomato and Onion Salad)?
About 15 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Achichuk (Uzbek Tomato and Onion Salad)?
About 40 kcal per serving, with 2 g of protein, 8 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 40 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
