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Persian Cucumber Salad 3

Serves 4 to 6 Salad vegetarian, Salads

Persian Cucumber Salad 3

In the heart of Persian homes, this cucumber salad is a staple, known for its simplicity and refreshing qualities. Typically enjoyed as a side dish, it complements a variety of main courses, from rich stews to grilled meats. This version reflects the home-cooked style, where precision gives way to intuition, and salt is measured by feel rather than by spoon.

The salad boasts a creamy texture, thanks to the yogurt that envelops the crisp cucumbers. A hint of garlic adds depth, while fresh dill imparts a fragrant, herbaceous note. The salt is a personal touch, adjusted to balance the subtle flavors. Each bite is a contrast of crunch and creaminess, inviting a second helping.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Start by washing the 2 cucumbers thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Using a sharp knife, slice the cucumbers into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. Place the slices in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Peel and finely mince 1 clove of garlic. Add the minced garlic to the bowl with the cucumber slices. This will infuse the salad with a subtle garlic aroma without overpowering the fresh cucumber taste.
  3. Chop a handful of fresh dill finely, about 2 tablespoons, and add it to the bowl. The dill will provide a fragrant herbal note that complements the yogurt.
  4. In a separate small bowl, combine 200 g of yogurt with a generous pinch of fine sea salt. Stir well until the salt is fully dissolved and the yogurt is smooth. Taste and adjust the salt if needed, as it should enhance the flavors without being too salty.
  5. Pour the yogurt mixture over the cucumber slices in the large bowl. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top for richness and a slight sheen. Gently toss the salad using two large spoons, ensuring the cucumber slices are evenly coated with the yogurt dressing while keeping them intact.
  6. Transfer the salad to a serving dish, arranging it neatly. Serve immediately with fresh bread, allowing everyone to enjoy the crisp, creamy, and aromatic flavors of this traditional Persian cucumber salad.
Cover of Authentic Persian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Persian Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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