Editor's note: Roz Weitzman has been working in China for seven years as an international school principal. An avid cook, Roz has epublished a cookbook entitled "Roz Weitzman's World of Chinese Comfort Food." It can be purchased at both Lulu and Amazon.

Since moving to Kunming she has begun to explore the cooking traditions of Yunnan. GoKunming will be posting her Yunnan-inspired recipes every other week for the remainder of 2012. More of Roz's recipes can be viewed on her blog (requires proxy) and PDF versions of her book can be obtained by reaching her at roz[at]candismail[dot]com[dot]cn. Bon appétit.

Kunming's wet markets offer a wonderful variety of fragrant, beautiful and delicious produce. Although tomatoes are not a staple of the Yunnan diet they are available year-round and can be prepared in a multitude of ways.

This recipe combines traditional Yunnan flavors with the cold salads often preferred by Westerners. It uses a delectable blend of my favorite ingredients: mint, garlic, green onion, cilantro, sesame oil and sesame seeds. Spice it up, spice it down, or make it numb, depending on your specific taste. It can be served as a light snack or as a tasty compliment to a larger meal.

Ingredients

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1/2 cup mint leaves, stems removed and finely chopped

3 green onions, white and green parts, chopped

1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped

1 fresh red chili, finely chopped

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

3 tablespoons sesame oil

4 large, fresh, ripe tomatoes, cut into thin slices

1 tablespoon chili oil

1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Method

Finely chop garlic, mint, green onions, cilantro and red chili. Combine the chopped ingredients with salt and sesame oil in a mortar.

Crush with pestle until all components are thoroughly pulverised and mixed. If you do not have a mortar and pestle the same results can be achieved (although with a bit more work) by using a large bowl and a wooden spoon.

Pour the mash over the tomato slices and then add chili oil. Mix together thoroughly. Cover and allow the salad to chill for an hour in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, sprinkle sesame seeds over the dish for a garnish. Enjoy!

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