Monday, July 4, 2011

Spice Cucumbers

Seasoned cucumbers can be a light and flavorful addition to a heavy meal.


Cucumbers are a versatile vegetable that can be found in a variety of cuisines throughout the world.You will find them used in Mediterranean recipes, Asian dishes, European-style appetizers and in classic American fare. You can dress them up with vinegar-style pickling liquids, salad dressings, herbs and spices, or you can serve them simply with salt and pepper. Serve a classic, spiced cucumber salad at your next barbecue or event as a tasty side dish or create same-day refrigerator pickles to go with sandwiches. However you serve them, cucumbers can be a light and pleasing contrast to a heavy meal.


Instructions








1. Peel two large cucumbers and slice them in half lengthwise using a sharp knife.


2. Remove the seeds by scraping them out with a spoon. If you are using English cucumbers, you do not need to peel and seed them.


3. Blend together 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 1/2 cup Japanese mirin, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 2 tbsp. fresh grated ginger, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper and 2 tsp. salt in a large mixing bowl.


4. Slice the cucumber thinly and add it to the spiced liquid. Stir to thoroughly coat the cucumbers in the liquid.


5. Add 1/2 cup chopped cilantro and 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion to the bowl and mix well. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.

Tags: cucumbers light, heavy meal, serve them, them with