Salatim!
(and the bowls that make them better) + a playlist
One of the easiest ways to make a Shabbat dinner feel abundant without actually cooking very much is a spread of salatim (aka little salads).
But the real secret isn’t the food. Half the pleasure of a salatim table is the visual experience: different colors, textures, and shapes scattered across the table. Creamy things next to crunchy things. Little bowls tucked between larger ones. And when the vessels are interesting and eclectic, almost anything inside them looks appealing. Which is good news for the cook.
My favorite serving bowls are a collection I’ve accumulated over time, gathered from places like:
• Goodwill/Savers
• flea markets
• handmade pieces by ceramic artists
• bowls I made myself
• pieces gifted by friends
• the occasional irresistible find online (FB Marketplace, Etsy, Craigslist)
A good salatim table doesn’t need to match. Like the flavors themselves, it’s a little eclectic—different bowls, colors, and textures all brought together.
Here are a few of the bowls that show up on our table most Fridays.
1. Quirky ceramic large bowl
Like this one from Workaday A slightly wonky ceramic bowl makes simple food — roasted carrots, cabbage, beans — look much more interesting.
2. Wooden serving bowl
Wood adds warmth to the table and makes herb salads or citrus dishes really pop.
3. Enamel bowl
Lightweight, durable, and reminiscent of summer camp.
4. Olive / discard bowl
A chip and dip style bowl for pits or shells.
Salatim ideas
Tahini with amba
Shaved, fennel, citrus, and olives
Hummus (store bought is fine!) with caramelized onions on top
Roasted carrots with chopped pistachios and dill
White beans with parsley and garlic oil
Confit tomatoes or garlic (or both!)
Stewed eggplant with harissa, pom molasses and shallots
Crushed potatoes with green herb sauce
Tomatoes with sumac and olive oil
Shabbat Dinner Playlist 03!
Shabbat Dinner Playlist 03 is here! Press play while you’re cooking, setting the table, or lingering at the table long after the food is gone.. A little Yiddish folk, a little Leonard Cohen… Great vibes guaranteed.