Cucumbers do not get their full respect. They are versatile to the highest degree. Healthy, of course. And they have that distinctive flavor and that aroma that simply announces to the world: freshness is here.
Cucumbers are a staple of world cuisine. Go ahead, google “Turkish cucumber recipes” and see what delights appear. Replace “Turkish” with “Thai” and more delights abound. The potential for cucumbers is endless.
Cucumbers were first cultivated in Asia, probably India, over 3,000 years ago. The Romans introduced them to Europe and they were a daily favorite of Roman emperors. Roman science developed early “greenhouse” systems so that cucumbers, and other treats, were available year round. [Yes, it snows in Rome!]
Columbus and other explorers brought the cucumber to the New World and they have become core ingredients here, too. Go ahead, google “Canadian cucumber reicpes.”
While any cucumber dish is instantly recognizable — you knew what it was in the picture above in a flash — the exact flavor is usually a secret until you taste it. Depending on the liquid, spices and other flavorings, the cucumber recipe can be sweet, hot, herby, or just mysterious. Cucumbers naturally marry to herbs especially dill and mint.
This salad’s name says it all: refreshing. There is a hint of pepper heat, sourness from the vinegar, bite from the onion, but primarily this is just delicious cucumber flavor. We served this salad with spicy baked beans and hot chicken wings on Super Bowl Sunday. It was a perfect trio. Add a beer, put your feet up, and you are ready to take anything.
Refreshing Cucumber Salad
Serves: 4 to 6 modestly
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed dried red pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 3 cucumbers, peeled and sliced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
Preparation:
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients EXCEPT the cucumbers and onion. Mix until the sugar is dissolved.
Now add the cucumbers and onion. Mix well.
Marinate in the refrigerator for 4 hours. Drain the liquid and serve.
Source: Wings Across America by Armand Vandersitgchel