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West African Cucumber Salad

Serves 4 to 6 Salad vegetarian, Salads

West African Cucumber Salad

West African Cucumber Salad is a staple of home tables across the region, a dish often prepared with the ease and intuition of a seasoned cook. Here, ingredients are measured by feel rather than scale, capturing the essence of communal dining where dishes are meant to be shared and enjoyed together. The simplicity of cucumbers paired with creamy yogurt and a hint of dill brings a refreshing contrast to the richer, spicier dishes that often accompany it.

This salad should be a cool, creamy counterpoint on the table, with the crispness of fresh cucumbers mingling with the tang of yogurt and the aromatic whisper of dill. A gentle hand with the salt enhances these flavors without overshadowing them, allowing the freshness to shine through. Generosity with both ingredients and spirit defines its place in the meal, inviting all to partake in its simple pleasures.

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 or impurities. Once clean, use a sharp knife to slice the cucumbers into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. This thickness ensures they retain a slight crunch while absorbing the flavors of the dressing.
  2. Peel and finely mince 1 clove of garlic. The finer the garlic, the more evenly it will distribute its pungent flavor throughout the salad. Place the minced garlic in a large mixing bowl where you will combine all the salad components.
  3. Add 200 g of yogurt to the mixing bowl with the garlic. The yogurt serves as the creamy base for the salad, providing a tangy contrast to the fresh cucumbers. Stir the yogurt and garlic together until well combined.
  4. Finely chop a small handful of fresh dill, about 1 tablespoon, and add it to the yogurt mixture. The dill adds a fragrant, herbaceous note that complements the coolness of the cucumbers. Mix well to ensure the dill is evenly distributed.
  5. Season the yogurt mixture with fine sea salt to taste. Start with a small pinch and gradually add more, tasting as you go, until the flavors are balanced and to your liking. The salt will enhance the flavors and help draw out the moisture from the cucumbers.
  6. Gently fold the sliced cucumbers into the yogurt dressing. Use a spatula to carefully toss the cucumbers, ensuring each slice is coated without breaking them apart. The cucumbers should glisten with the dressing, but remain intact and crisp.
  7. Transfer the salad to a serving dish and serve immediately. The freshness of the cucumbers and the creamy, tangy dressing make this salad a refreshing accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Serve with bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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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