We have a recipe for the perfect, cool-you-down side dish from one of Disney’s newest dining spots.

“It Is Hot Today”

Harambe Market, the new counter service food court-style walk up eatery at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, features a variety of hearty main dishes and interesting sides. The focus is on the traditional, complex use of herbs and spices in African cuisine.

Harambe Market

If you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary to take to a summer picnic, this fresh salad of Chickpeas, Cucumber, and Tomato comes together in a snap and requires only minutes of cooking. At Harambe Market, the salad is served with the Dreamy Spice-rubbed Karubi Ribs, but it would be pair nicely with any meat. Or it would make a hearty, vegetarian entree on its own.

Chickpea, Cucumber, and Tomato Salad

Be prepared to hunt down a few exotic ingredients, and give it time to marinate so that the flavors mix and deepen.

Chickpea, Cucumber, and Tomato Salad

Harambe Marketplace at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Serves 8 as a side dish or appetizer

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1/2 small jalapeno pepper, seeds removed, minced
1 teaspoon tamarind paste, dissolved in 3 tablespoons of water
1/4 teaspoon chaat masala, optional
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
2 (14.5-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, divided
Coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 large tomato, seeds removed, diced
1/2 cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced
1/2 bunch cilantro, stems removed, minced

Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a small sauté pan over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger, and jalapeno; cook until garlic is lightly golden. Set aside until mixture is room temperature. Whisk in tamarind paste and chaat masala. Stir in onion. Refrigerate until cold.

2. Add chilled spice mixture to chickpeas, tossing to coat. Add 2 tablespoons lime juice and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Just before serving, add cucumber, tomato and cilantro. Add remaining 1 tablespoon lime juice, if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Cook’s notes: Tamarind paste has a distinctive, tart flavor. It can be purchased in Asian and Latin-American grocery stores or online. Chaat masala is a spice blend available in specialty food stores and some grocery stores or online.

Will you be making this African-inspired salad for your next summer potluck? Leave a comment and let us know what you think!

Recipe Credit: Disney Parks Blog