Khamang Kakdi / Cucumber and Peanut Salad in Maharashtrian Style
Are you fans of Thai Cucumber Salad? Well I certain am!
So the recipe in discussion today i.e. the Khamang Kakdi is Maharashtra’s very own version of the Thai Cucumber Salad, though minus any sauce and just basic and local ingredients available. Don’t agree with me? Read on and make some – I highly recommend!
Khamang Kakdi or the Cucumber and Peanut salad in Maharashtrian style is inspired by my recent trip to Ganpatipule and the simple home style meals I had there during my stay of 2 days. Salads form part of the Maharashtrian thali that is served and they come in a variety. Salads in Maharashtra are called Koshimbir which is generally chopped vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, onions that are lightly tossed with salt, lime juice, cilantro or coriander leaves. Some times dahi or curd is added which turns it to a raita. While I love the Dahi based raitas, I am particularly fond of these dry and crunchy vegetables which can be a meal in itself. Khamang Kakdi is a perfect example of that. It takes just 15 minutes to put together this salad, its just perfect to go along with your cocktails or drinks too if you are looking for something light and refreshing in the evening before your dinner.
Ganpatipule, a region that is along the Konkan coastline of Maharashtra. With abundance of local produce like Mangoes, especially Hapus or Alphonso, the king of Mangoes growing in this belt, the region is also known for its produce like coconut, Seafood (proximity to sea) etc. I have been making this quick salad option since ages as I enjoy tempered salads with mustard and curry leaves a lot so this salad is a huge hit every time I make it and thought that it had to make way into the blog soon.
I always like to cook something once I am back from a trip, inspired by the region or the food that I taste. As a blogger and a food lover, it is very important for me to seek inspiration and such trips are just the icing on the cake. The peanuts that are used in the salad are from Pandharpur, a vendor / farmer was selling it in the market and I picked up half a kg. These are smaller in size, very sweet and nutty in flavor. Once you roast these, the flavor and crunch is amazing. When I spoke to him about how the size of the peanuts compared to the ones we get in Mumbai or perhaps in metros, he said, my produce is organic, I use no pesticides and they are sun dried in the back yard of my house. I saw my inspiration for the challenge there and then and immediately zeroed in on Khamang Kakdi.
Just when the A to Z challenge began this month with Ingredient C to cook with, I chose Cucumbers and made this wonderful quick and delicious salad which would be perfect for everyday consumption, kid friendly (if you minus the green chillies) and a perfect lunch or dinner menu idea too for guests. A no onion and garlic salad, this is a perfect veg side for people who avoid garlic and onion during festivals etc.
A to Z challenge, a challenge initiated on Facebook Group, wherein a group of bloggers come together and we choose key ingredients alphabetically to cook and post a dish every alternate month. This challenge was initiated by Jolly Makkar and this is our 3rd post for the challenge. We choose key ingredients alphabetically to cook and post a dish every alternate month.
This is my 3rd dish in the A to Z challenge series, the first was the Roasted Almond and Choco Chip icecream followed by Broccoli Corn Balls. This time I thought of doing something simple, as festivals have taken a huge toll on diet and a detox was in order. Detox turned out to be super delicious as I made this for lunch a day post Janmashtami.
20 odd minutes to make this delicious Khamang Kakdi, all you need are fresh cucumbers, peanuts, salt, cilantro and a tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves in coconut oil. Pair it with a Dal or Varan and Vangi Batatyachi Bhaji along with Bhakri or any flatbreads and Spicy mango pickle. Life is sorted! Needless to say, this is a low oil salad that is diabetic friendly too and great for people who crave for snacks during the day and in between meals too.
Check out the uber delicious recipe with step by step pics of this salad and make a bowl for yourself today. Do let me know how it turned out.
Recipe for Khamang Kakdi / Cucumber and Peanut Salad in Maharashtrian Style
Prep Time – 10 to 15 minutes
Cook time – 2 mins max for tempering
Serves 2 nos.
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers, peeled and finely chopped
- 3 tblsp of peanuts roasted, skin removed
- 2 or 3 nos. green chillies finely chopped
- 2 tblsp freshly grated coconut
- Few sprigs of curry leaves
- 1 tsp of coconut oil
- A tsp of lime juice
- ½ tsp of mustard seeds
- Finely chopped coriander leaves
- Salt as per taste
Method
- In a bowl, add the chopped cucumbers, green chillies, salt and lime juice.
- You can either coarsely pound the peanuts or add it as it is, I prefer the later. Don’t grind it in any case. You want the texture.
- Prepare for the tempering by heating a small pan with some coconut oil, add mustard seeds and allow it to crackle and then add the curry leaves.
- Now, add them to the salad followed by freshly grated coconut and coriander leaves. Toss everything well and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes –
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- This salad also tastes excellent when chilled, making it that perfect summer salad option.
- A meal by itself, tastes excellent with the Maharashtrian staples like Varan Bhaat or Bhakri and a Vegetable.
- You can add a pinch of sugar too along with lime juice but I avoid the same since I prefer having this as a snack in the evening or as a dinner option.
Vidya Narayan
Jyo
5 Sep 2018Excellent summer salad🥗 love the addition of roasted peanuts💕 it gives a nice crunchy kick to the salad🥗
Vidya Narayan
6 Sep 2018Thanks dear, we think alike!
Malini
5 Sep 2018Wow. Perfect Vidya. My favorites, peanuts and coconut are there, plus healthy cucumber. I loved your nice touch of tempering in this recipe. It must be very filling. Thanks for the recipe.
Vidya Narayan
6 Sep 2018Thanks so much and i hope you love trying out this.
Malini
6 Sep 2018Sure 🙂
Malini
22 Sep 2018Vidya. I tried this salad. It was awesome. Believe me it was the best salad I ever tried dear. Thanks a ton for this recipe. I am gonna tag and post this yummmmmy salad soon. 🙂 <3 Oh my god.. I am in love this.. Happy Cooking dear
Vidya Narayan
11 Jan 2019Thank you so much and very glad to receive the feedback Malini.
sadhanamishra
5 Sep 2018This is one of my favourite salad..just love them..my mouth is watering 😊
Vidya Narayan
6 Sep 2018Thanks so much dear, mine too.
Batter Up With Sujata
5 Sep 2018Wow Vidya cucumber salad sounds superbly delicious. I can imagine the taste. Green chilli cilantro peanut definitely makes it super yummy. I want to make it right now but I don’t have fresh coconut this time, so I have to wait. Lovely share.
Vidya Narayan
6 Sep 2018Please do make this and I am sure you would love it. Thank you so much
The Girl Next Door
7 Sep 2018I’ve heard a lot about this dish from my grandmother, who grew up in a Maharashtrian colony. I’ve never had a chance to try it out, though. Looks yummylicious! 🙂
Vidya Narayan
7 Sep 2018Do try, its quite simple. Thanks so much.
Geetha Priyanka
9 Sep 2018This recipe sounds much like Kosambari, popular salad in North Karnataka but without moongdal and peanuts. I can imagine the texture and delicious taste. Wish I could get Indian cucumber here in UK to prepare this super healthy salad. Awesome share Vidya!!!
Vidya Narayan
10 Sep 2018I agree, this sounds like Kosambari minus the dal. Love the moong dal based salads esp with carrots as they add the sweetness. Thanks dear and I wish I could treat you some.
Jyoti Rao
10 Sep 2018Wonderful salad recipe! Always loved this salad, childhood favorite. Thanks for the recipe.
Vidya Narayan
10 Sep 2018Nice to know that Jyoti, this is my fav too. Thanks dear.
Jayeeta
12 Sep 2018Nice write up, Vidya…..Through your post I came to know about a region of Maharashtra and also a different version of salad…..It’s very much true that our trips to different places give us inspirations to make new recipes. 🙂
Vidya Narayan
16 Sep 2018Absolutely Jayeeta, travel is very important to our body and mind, else we burn out easily. Thank you and glad you liked it.
Seema Doraiswamy Sriram
14 Sep 2018Delicious simple yet flavourful recipe. I can live on this.
Vidya Narayan
4 Dec 2018Absolutely dear, me too. Thanks
Mildly Indian
14 Sep 2018Delicious simple yet flavourful recipe. I can live on this.
Vidya Narayan
16 Sep 2018I agree Seema! Thanks
JollyHomemadeRecipes
15 Sep 2018What a superb and nutritious peanut with cucumber salad recipe. This one is so refreshing, delightful, such a healthy bowl of comfort. Very refreshing share partner.
Vidya Narayan
16 Sep 2018Thanks dear Jolly!
Priya Suresh
16 Sep 2018Give me that bowl, feel like finishing this crunchy and nutty salad without any fuss. Just love this kind of simple Indian style salad. Makes me hungry.
Vidya Narayan
16 Sep 2018I love simple salads too Priya, thanks a ton!
Renu Agrawal Dongre
17 Sep 2018Such an interesting pick for the theme and that too double, coconut and cucumber. I love salads but never tried coconut in it, would love to try this one.
Vidya Narayan
18 Sep 2018Thank you dear. We South Indians do add coconut to our version of salads and raitas too, they taste yum.
mayurisjikoni
18 Sep 2018Vidya, if I got cucumber prepared in the style you have with coconut and peanuts then I don’t mind having it everyday. It looks so delicious. Thanks for sharing such a healthy recipe.
Vidya Narayan
18 Sep 2018My pleasure and I hope you would love it.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan
19 Sep 2018I am in love with the flavor combination in the salad. So perfect for the Indian palate that needs the spices and the flavors. Love the green chili, coconut and peanut in the salad. I would be adding the sugar as well as I like the sweet and spicy feel.
Vidya Narayan
21 Sep 2018Addition of sugar is a good idea and Sandhya, most of the Maharashtrian recipes do call for a pinch of jaggery or sugar, especially in gravies. Do let me know how the sugar element turned out and shall be happy to include in my next round of salad.
Paarul
19 Sep 2018This salad is a delight with the meal , and the addition of peanuts makes it just perfect crunchy summer salad. Awesome share Vidya I can just have it as a snack 🙂
Vidya Narayan
21 Sep 2018I agree Paarul, this is a good snack with the crunchy peanuts. Thanks so much dear.
Anshu Agarwal
21 Sep 2018Amazing recipe Vidya. Perfect low Carb meal. Will definitely try it and post the picture. Keep posting such amazing healthy meal Ideas. Awesome photography as always !!
Vidya Narayan
21 Sep 2018Thank you so much dear for all your lovely words always.
Shobha Keshwani
21 Sep 2018I love these Indian chatpata salads. This one is on my list to be made this week end.
Vidya Narayan
21 Sep 2018Welcome back from your vacation and I am sure salads are definitely on your mind. Thank you so much and glad you liked it.
code2cook
25 Sep 2018Vidya believe me this salad looking very tempting in the picture and I am craving to it now. surely a tasty and filling salad and added tempering must be taking it to another level of taste. Bookmarked.
Vidya Narayan
1 Oct 2018Tempering is the way of letting your taste buds know that they are in for a real treat. ha ha .. I love tempered salads with dahi or raw too, guess my south indian genes. Glad you liked it dear.
Aruna
26 Sep 2018This is my go-to salad (that doubles as a meal) on a hot summer day. Maharashtrians make the best salads in my book!
Vidya Narayan
1 Oct 2018This is the best salad for the current weather Aruna! Thanks so much and I agree about the Koshimbir varieties of Maharashtra.
veena
30 Sep 2018Super. This is so refreshing and easily doable. Loved this quick salad
Vidya Narayan
1 Oct 2018Thanks Veena.
poonampagar
23 Oct 2018Khamang kakdi is one of my favourite salads. So refreshing and flavorful ! I often pair it with Sabudana khichdi.
Vidya Narayan
24 Oct 2018Pairing with sabudana khichdi sounds lovely and I should certainly try this combo. Thanks Poonam.