Clementine Salad

In Nepal during winter, families and friends get together and make this. This is one of the very well known winter activity. The reason this food is made during winter is that Nepal’s vegetables and fruits are all seasonal. And citrus fruits grow during winter there.

Most of the houses in Kathmandu have roof tops and they are called kausi. (The roof tops is surrounded by approx. 4 feet wall for safety and privacy). Various activities take place there like - hand washing and drying clothes, drying vegetables, beddings, sitting, soaking in the sun etc. So in the afternoons families get together on the roof top and make this and eat.

It is called:

If oranges or clementines are used: “sandheko suntala”

If grapefruits are used “sandheko bhagate”

If both are used: “sandhiko bhagate ra suntala”

I have used clementines to make this recipe. Any citrus fruits can be used. And instead of using sesame seeds, use ground sesame which is also available in stores.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

1. 6 to 7 clementines (1 ½ cup)
2. ¼ cup yogurt (whole or fat free)
3. 3 tablepoons sugar
4. 2 tablespoons sesame seeds or ground sesame (black or brown)
5. ¼ teaspoon salt
6. ¼ teaspoon red chili (optional)
7. ¼ teaspoon cumin seeds (optional)
8. ¼ teaspoon fenugreek seeks
9. 1 generous pinch of turmeric powder
10. 1 teaspoon oil

Method:

1. In a pan roast sesame seeds, stirring frequently so that it does not get burnt. Once it starts popping, put it in a small plate or bowl.
2. Add cumin seeds in the pan and roast for 30 seconds.
3. Grind the roasted sesame and cumin seeds.
4. Peel and cut clementines circumference wise, separate segments and put in a bowl.
5. Add ground sesame and cumin
6. Add yogurt, salt and sugar and mix.
7. Heat oil in a pan and splutter fenugreek seeds until brown.
8. Take the pan off the range and add turmeric in the oil
9. Pour the hot oil on the clementines and mix again.

Ready for serving.