Hand-Tossed Burmese Tomato Salad

This is a signature ethnic Burmese dish. Variations can be found all around Myanmar.

Burmese salads are always thrown together fresh, the last minute possible before being served. Clean fingers toss and blend the salad, adding the personal touch of the creator into the mixture.

Serves 4

• 4-5 tomatoes, deseeded and sliced
• 1 T turmeric and garlic oil
• 1 small onion, sliced very thin and rinsed in cold water
• 1 T sesame seeds, toasted
• ½ c cabbage, shredded very finely
• 1 lime’s juice
• ½ c peanuts, chopped
• 1 bunch coriander (cilantro) roughly chopped
• salt or fish sauce to taste

Method:
Prepare all the ingredients and toss them together with your clean hands at the last moment possible before serving. Fresh green chilis can also be added for those who love spiciness. This salad makes a nice base for many other salads. I have successfully added avocados, chicken, blanched broccoli and green beans. More or less cabbage can be added depending on your needs. A very nutritious salad with the sesame seeds and peanuts providing extra protein and fat. Absolutely delicious. Green tomatoes can be substituted for ripe ones for a Shan-style salad.