Kachumbari (Kenyan Tomato and Onion Salad)
In short: Chopped ripe tomatoes, red onion, chili and fresh coriander tossed with lime juice and salt, the sharp, juicy salad served with nyama choma. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Resting
- 10 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 40 kcal
Kachumbari is the fresh tomato and onion salad that sits beside almost every grilled meat, pilau and ugali plate in Kenya. The onion is soaked briefly in cold water so its bite softens, then tossed with ripe tomatoes, chili and fresh coriander. It needs only about 15 minutes of work, tastes best made just before serving and cuts through rich, fatty meat. Some cooks add cucumber or avocado.
Instructions
- Put the sliced onion in a bowl of cold water and leave it for 10 minutes to soften its sharpness. Drain well and squeeze dry in a clean towel.
- Seed and dice the tomatoes and finely chop the chili and coriander.
- Combine the onion, tomatoes, chili and coriander in a serving bowl, adding the avocado if using.
- Add the lime juice and salt, toss gently and taste. Serve within 30 minutes.
Tips
- Seed the tomatoes and choose ripe but firm ones, or the salad turns watery. Add the salt just before serving.
- Diced cucumber or a splash of white vinegar are popular additions. The chili is traditional, but it can be left out for a mild version.
Questions and answers
What is kachumbari served with?
Nyama choma, pilau, ugali, grilled fish and samosas. Its fresh acidity balances rich and fried foods.
How long does kachumbari keep?
It is best within an hour. Refrigerated, it keeps for up to a day, but drain off the liquid before serving.
Is kachumbari the same as pico de gallo?
It is a similar idea: chopped tomato, onion, chili, herbs and lime. Kachumbari usually has less chili and is served as a side with grilled meat and ugali.
How long does it take to make Kachumbari (Kenyan Tomato and Onion Salad)?
About 15 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Kachumbari (Kenyan Tomato and Onion Salad)?
About 40 kcal per serving, with 2 g of protein, 8 g of carbohydrates and 1 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 40 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
