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Middle Eastern Cucumber Salad 3

Serves 4 to 6 Salad vegetarian, Salads

Middle Eastern Cucumber Salad 3

Middle Eastern Cucumber Salad 3 is a beloved staple at home tables, reflecting the intuitive approach of Middle Eastern cooks. This version captures the essence of family kitchens, where salt is added by feel, and no one skimps on the yogurt or garlic. It's a dish that welcomes everyone to gather around, offering a taste of everyday abundance.

The salad delivers a refreshing and creamy bite, with cool cucumbers meeting the tangy smoothness of yogurt. The subtle heat of garlic and the fresh, herbaceous notes of dill weave through each mouthful. Enjoy it as it is, a simple yet satisfying testament to home-cooked comfort.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Start by washing the 2 cucumbers thoroughly under cold running water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick, and place them in a large mixing bowl. This size ensures they absorb the flavors without losing their crunch.
  2. Peel and finely mince 1 clove of garlic. Add the minced garlic to the bowl with the cucumbers. The garlic should be finely minced to evenly distribute its pungent flavor throughout the salad.
  3. Measure 200 g of yogurt and add it to the cucumber and garlic mixture. Use a spoon to gently fold the yogurt into the cucumbers and garlic, ensuring each cucumber slice is coated. The yogurt will provide a creamy texture that contrasts with the crisp cucumbers.
  4. Finely chop a small handful of fresh dill, about 2 tablespoons, and add it to the bowl. The dill should be fresh and fragrant, adding a bright, herbal note to the salad. Mix gently to combine.
  5. Season the salad with fine sea salt to taste. Start with a small pinch and taste, adding more if needed. The salt will enhance the flavors of the cucumbers and yogurt without overpowering them.
  6. Dress the salad with a drizzle of olive oil, about 1 tablespoon, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, about 1 tablespoon. The oil adds richness while the acid from the lemon juice brightens the flavors. Toss the salad gently to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.
  7. Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Serve immediately with fresh bread on the side, allowing diners to scoop up the salad. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, with the cucumbers retaining their crispness and the flavors vibrant.
Cover of Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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