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West African Cucumber Salad 2

Serves 4 to 6 Salad vegetarian, Salads

West African Cucumber Salad 2

West African Cucumber Salad 2 brings the essence of home cooking to the table, reflecting the everyday practices of West African families. This dish, a staple at casual family meals, is crafted with mindful simplicity, where the salt is measured by intuition and the fat is embraced without restraint. It's a reflection of the communal spirit, a dish meant for sharing among loved ones.

The salad offers a refreshing crunch from the cucumbers, balanced by the creamy tang of yogurt and a whisper of garlic that lingers on the palate. Dill adds a fragrant, herbaceous note, while the salt ties it all together, enhancing each flavor without overpowering. Its simplicity is its charm, inviting diners to savor the straightforward yet satisfying combination of textures and tastes.

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 to remove any dirt. Peel the cucumbers if desired, then slice them thinly into rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. Place the slices in a large mixing bowl to allow for easy tossing later.
  2. In a separate small bowl, combine 200 g of yogurt with one finely minced clove of garlic. Stir well to ensure the garlic is evenly distributed throughout the yogurt, which will serve as the creamy base for the salad. Add a pinch of fine sea salt to taste, keeping in mind that the salt will enhance the flavors of the cucumber and yogurt.
  3. Chop a small handful of fresh dill finely and add it to the yogurt mixture. The dill will provide a fresh, aromatic flavor that complements the coolness of the cucumbers. Stir the dill into the yogurt until it is evenly mixed.
  4. Pour the yogurt dressing over the cucumber slices in the large mixing bowl. Use a gentle folding motion with a spatula or large spoon to combine the ingredients, ensuring that each cucumber slice is coated with the yogurt mixture. Be careful not to break the cucumber slices, as you want them to remain intact for a pleasing texture.
  5. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more fine sea salt if desired. The salad should taste fresh and slightly tangy, with the yogurt and dill providing a creamy and aromatic backdrop to the crisp cucumbers.
  6. Serve the West African Cucumber Salad 2 immediately, garnished with a few extra sprigs of dill if desired. Present it with a side of fresh bread for a complete, refreshing dish that is perfect for sharing at the table.
Cover of Authentic West African Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic West African Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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