Middle Eastern Carrot Salad Recipes

MOROCCAN-STYLE CARROT SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add carrots and cook for about 20 minutes until nice and tender. Drain.
• Transfer the cooked carrots immediately to a large mixing bowl. And while nice and warm, season with a dash kosher salt, and the spices (harissa spice, cumin, coriander and paprika.) Add minced garlic, celery, cilantro, lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil.
• If you like, add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Give the carrot salad a good toss to combine. Set the carrot salad aside for a bit before serving (it's best served at room temperature.)

MIDDLE EASTERN CARROT SALAD

Steps:

• Put the orange blossom water, cumin, oil, lemon juice and some seasoning into a jar. Screw on the lid and shake well to combine.
• Tip the carrots and mint into a bowl. Pour over the dressing, season and toss everything together.

MOROCCAN COOKED CARROT SALAD

Steps:

• Place the carrots in a steamer above 1 inch of boiling water, cover and steam 5 to 8 minutes, until tender. Remove from the heat, rinse with cold water, and drain on paper towels.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large, heavy skillet and add the garlic and cumin. Cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds, until the garlic smells fragrant, and stir in the carrots, pepper, and salt to taste. Stir together for a few minutes, until the carrots are nicely seasoned. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, remaining olive oil, and the parsley. Taste and adjust salt and lemon juice as desired. Transfer to a platter, and decorate with olives and hard-boiled eggs if desired. Serve at room temperature.

MIDDLE EASTERN CARROT SALAD

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients together and chill for at least 1 hour.

LENTIL AND CARROT SALAD WITH MIDDLE EASTERN SPICES

Steps:

• Place the lentils in a medium saucepan, cover by 1 inch with water, add the bay leaf and bring to a boil. Add salt to taste, reduce the heat and cook just until the lentils are al dente, about 25 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine 3 tablespoons of the olive oil and the garlic in a small frying pan or saucepan over medium heat. When the garlic begins to sizzle, add the spices. Stir together for about 30 seconds, then remove from the heat and transfer to a large bowl.
• While the lentils are simmering, steam the carrots for 8 to 10 minutes, until tender. Remove from the heat and transfer to the bowl with the garlic and spices. Add the lemon juice and salt to taste and toss together.
• When the lentils are cooked al dente, set a strainer over a bowl, drain the lentils and toss at once with the carrots. If desired, add some of the broth to moisten. Add cilantro and another tablespoon of olive oil and toss together. Add freshly ground pepper, taste and adjust salt. Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle the remaining olive oil over the top, and serve warm or at room temperature.

MIDDLE EASTERN CARROT & FETA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pan of water to the boil. Add the carrots, and cook for about 8-10 mins until tender. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, mix together the cumin seeds, ground spices, honey and lemon juice, with some seasoning, using a small whisk or fork.
• Drain the carrots, let them steam-dry for a few minutes in the colander, then mix them into the dressing with the sultanas or raisins. Leave at room temperature.
• To serve, crumble over the feta and scatter with the herbs. Gently toss together.