Parsley, Tomato and Mint Salad

There's a beautiful little take away restaurant close to my flat which offers the best Chickpea Falafel and Chicken Shawarma in town, and this is not just my opinion! This tiny place is called Salsabil and it's run by a very nice guy from Tunis, we've known him for years and he always brings us a cup of hot tea as soon as he sees us, even if we're just passing by! His food is honest and authentic, he doesn't offer that many dishes but each of them is delicious. In summer, we like to sit outside at one of the tables on the pavement and the rest of the year we enjoy the cosiness inside. We sit on wooden benches opposite a photography of the old city walls of Tunis which always reminds me of the Silent City of Mdina in Malta. The light is dimmed and they usually play traditional Tunisian music, it feels a bit like a short holiday in one of the old towns of Tunisia! When it comes to the menu I follow a bit of a tradition, I always order some juicy Falafel in pita bread with different vegetables and sauces, some of their amazing hummus and a very aromatic parsley, tomato and onion salad.

Since I already wrote about my hummus recipe and I'm not experienced enough yet to make my own Falafel in my kitchen (but that will soon change!), I will share my tomato, parsley and mint salad to create a bit of a Salsabil atmosphere at home!

This fresh salad is also great for parties and barbecues!

Parsley, Tomato and Mint Salad

For 2 people as a side dish you need

• fresh parsley leaves, roughly chopped, 40g / 1.5 ounces

• large, ripe tomato, finely chopped, 1

• fresh large mint leaves, finely chopped, 6

• small red onion or shallot, finely chopped, 1

• garlic, crushed, 1 small clove

• olive oil 3 tablespoons

• freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 tablespoon

• white balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon

• salt and pepper

For the dressing, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar and garlic and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix the dressing with the tomato and herbs and serve in a bowl.