Recipe: Spicy Cucumber and Green Pepper Salad

Spicy Cucumber and Green Pepper Salad
Source: from Asha Kumar Detroit, Michigan, USA

2 medium-sized cucumbers - washed and peeled
2 small green peppers - washed and deseeded
1/4 tsp cinnamon powder or a small piece of cinnamon
1 or 2 cloves
5 - 7 groundnuts - whole
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cumin powder (available in Indian stores)
1/8 tsp asafoetida
(generally known as 'Hing' in Indian stores - this dried resin gives a distinctive flavor to the dish)
2 tsp salt
1 tsp dried oregano - for garnish
2 tsp vegetable oil

Cut the peeled cucumbers into thin slices, removing all the seeds. Repeat the same with the green peppers. Mix both with salt well and marinate for about an hour. Keep a small skillet on heat and put 2 tsp vegetable oil.
When the oil is hot, add cinnamon powder, groundnuts and cloves. Fry for about 1 minute.

Add black pepper, cumin powder and at the last, add hing. Remove the fried mixture from heat and pour it on the salad. Garnish with dried oregano and serve chilled.