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Eastern European Cucumber Salad 2

Serves 4 to 6 Salad vegetarian, Salads

Eastern European Cucumber Salad 2

Eastern European Cucumber Salad 2 is a staple across the home tables of Eastern Europe, where meals are often communal and abundant. This version captures the spirit of home cooking, where ingredients are judged with a practiced hand rather than precise measurements. Traditionally, it's a dish that appears alongside hearty main courses, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors typical of the region.

The salad is a crisp interplay of cool cucumbers and creamy yogurt, with a hint of garlic and the aromatic whisper of dill. Each bite is a balance of textures and flavors, where the salt is a gentle accent rather than an overpowering presence. Generously prepared, it invites diners to share in its simplicity and freshness, embodying the unpretentious nature of Eastern European cuisine.

Ingredients

  • 2cucumbers
  • 200 gyogurt
  • 1 clovegarlic
  • dill — chopped
  • to tastefine sea salt

Method

  1. Start by washing 2 cucumbers thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Slice the cucumbers thinly, about 1/8 inch thick, using a sharp knife or a mandoline for even slices. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Peel 1 clove of garlic and mince it finely. Add the minced garlic to the bowl with the cucumbers. This will infuse the salad with a subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
  3. Measure 200 g of yogurt and add it to the cucumber and garlic mixture. The yogurt should be thick and creamy, which will help coat the cucumber slices evenly.
  4. Finely chop a handful of fresh dill. Add the dill to the bowl, reserving a small pinch for garnish. The dill should be fragrant and bright green, adding a fresh herbal note to the salad.
  5. Season the salad with fine sea salt to taste. Start with a small pinch, toss the salad, and taste. Add more salt gradually until the flavors are balanced and the cucumbers are enhanced by the seasoning.
  6. Drizzle a generous amount of oil over the salad. Use a light, neutral oil like sunflower or a mild olive oil. Add a splash of acid, such as lemon juice or vinegar, to brighten the flavors. Toss the salad gently with a large spoon or your hands, ensuring the cucumber slices remain intact and are evenly coated with the dressing.
  7. Transfer the salad to a serving dish, arranging it so the cucumber slices are layered attractively. Garnish with the reserved dill for a pop of color and added freshness.
  8. Serve the Eastern European Cucumber Salad immediately with fresh bread. The salad should be cool and refreshing, with a creamy texture from the yogurt and a hint of garlic and dill.
Cover of Authentic Eastern European Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Eastern European Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Eastern European Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Eastern European volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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