Wash the cucumbers under running water and dry them with a kitchen towel. Trim the ends. If the skin is tough or bitter, peel the cucumber thinly with a knife; if the skin is soft and fresh, leave it on for color. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds (about 2-3 mm). If you have a mandoline, set it to the thin setting and be careful with your fingers; if not, use a sharp knife and a stable cutting board.
Description
A light, refreshing, and simultaneously spicy cucumber and yogurt salad with a distinct touch of chili pepper and garlic. This quick spring dish combines the cooling texture of cucumber with the creamy richness of yogurt, while the spicy notes of chili and aromatic dill add character. It pairs wonderfully as a side with bread, grilled dishes, grain dishes (e.g., spelt), or as a standalone light snack. The dish is simple, quick (about 10 minutes), and fits perfectly into vegetarian cuisine with Polish ingredients; it can be seasoned with sorrel for a more pronounced freshness or served with spring greens.
Ingredients Used
Ingredients (10)
- Cucumber 2 szt. (~600 g)
- Natural yogurt 300 g
- Garlic 2 ząbki (~10 g)
- Lemon juice 20 ml
- Rapeseed oil 15 g
- 🌿 Przyprawy
- Dill 1.5 pęczki (~30 g)
- Papryczka chili 0.7 szt. (~10 g)
- Salt 2 g
- Black pepper 2 szczypty (~1 g)
- ✨ Opcjonalne
- Sorrel 30 g
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Preparation steps
Preparing the vegetables
Preparing the sauce
In a large bowl, add natural yogurt. Squeeze the juice from the lemon into a small bowl, removing any seeds. Peel the garlic and finely chop it or press it through a garlic press. Finely chop the dill along with the stems. Slice the chili pepper into very thin rings; if you want less heat, cut and remove the seeds with your fingers or a teaspoon, then rinse your hands. To the yogurt, add the lemon juice, garlic, half of the dill, chili slices, and a tablespoon of rapeseed oil. Mix with a spoon until the ingredients are combined and a smooth sauce forms.
Mixing the salad
Add the chopped cucumbers to the bowl with the dressing. Gently mix with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for about 30-45 seconds, ensuring all the slices are coated with the dressing. Taste the salad and season with salt and freshly ground pepper gradually: first add half of the suggested amount, mix and taste, then add more salt if needed. The salad should be slightly tangy, creamy, and have a distinct chili spiciness.
Finishing and serving
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or onto plates. Sprinkle with the remaining dill. If you are using sorrel (optional), tear the sorrel leaves into smaller pieces, gently mix with the salad using a spoon, and serve immediately. Serve chilled, right after preparation, to keep the cucumber crisp.
Variants
If you want a milder version, use half a chili pepper and more dill. For a bolder version, add finely crumbled white cheese (e.g., semi-fat cottage cheese) or chopped radishes for color and crunch. You can also add 1 tablespoon of chopped walnuts for a crunchy touch (optional additions).
Fun Fact
Yogurt salads with cucumber have a long tradition in the cuisines of Eastern and Central Europe (e.g., tarator, tzatziki). Spicy accents, such as chili, are a modern twist that combines the cooling effect of cucumber with a fiery finish.
Best for
Tips
Serve chilled, preferably immediately after preparation. Serve with dark whole grain bread or crisp bread; it pairs perfectly with dishes made with barley or as a side to grilled dishes. If you plan to serve the salad earlier, keep the dressing separate and mix just before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the cucumbers.
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. After a longer period, the cucumber will release juice and the salad will become more watery. To refresh before serving, drain the excess juice and add a bit of fresh yogurt and more dill.
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