Lasary Voatabia (Malagasy Tomato and Onion Relish)
Local name: Lasary voatabia
In short: A fresh relish of diced tomato, onion, parsley and lime, served beside rice and grilled meat to cut the richness. A simple Malagasy side. 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
- 60 kcal
Lasary is the cold, sharp side dish that sits next to rice and laoka on a Malagasy plate. Lasary voatabia is the fresh tomato version: ripe tomatoes, red onion and parsley chopped small and dressed with lime, a little oil and salt. It needs no cooking, only about 15 minutes of chopping and a short rest, and it cuts through rich stews and grilled meat. Many cooks add a minced chili for heat.
Instructions
- Place the diced tomatoes in a bowl, sprinkle with the salt and sugar and leave for 10 minutes.
- Drain off about half of the liquid that collects, so the relish is juicy but not watery.
- Add the onion, parsley, chili, lime juice and oil and stir gently.
- Rest the relish for 15 minutes so the flavors blend, then taste and adjust the salt and lime.
- Serve at room temperature beside rice, stews, grilled meat or fish.
Tips
- Soak the chopped onion in cold water for 5 minutes and drain it if you want a milder bite.
- A little grated green mango or an extra splash of vinegar adds more sour crunch.
Questions and answers
What is lasary?
Lasary is the Malagasy word for a cold relish or pickle eaten with rice and the main dish. Lasary voatabia is the fresh tomato version, and others use cabbage, green beans or fruit.
How long does lasary voatabia keep?
It is best the day you make it. Covered in the fridge it keeps for 2 days, though the tomatoes will release more liquid.
What do you serve with it?
Serve it beside rice with romazava, kitoza, grilled chicken or fish. It also works as a topping for sandwiches.
How long does it take to make Lasary Voatabia (Malagasy Tomato and Onion Relish)?
About 15 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Lasary Voatabia (Malagasy Tomato and Onion Relish)?
About 60 kcal per serving, with 1 g of protein, 7 g of carbohydrates and 3 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 60 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
