**A Culinary Symphony of Flavors: Explore a Trio of Cucumber and Tapenade Recipes**
Indulge in a culinary journey that celebrates the refreshing crunch of cucumbers harmonized with the savory depths of tapenade. This article presents three distinct recipes that showcase this delightful combination. From the classic Cucumber Rounds with Tapenade Mousse, a timeless appetizer that bursts with flavor in every bite, to the elegant Cucumber and Tapenade Tart, a stunning centerpiece for any gathering, and the innovative Cucumber Tapenade Soup, a warm and comforting dish that surprises and delights. Each recipe offers a unique take on this harmonious pairing, ensuring an unforgettable culinary experience.
GRILLED CUCUMBERS WITH TOMATO-CARDAMOM DRESSING AND MOZZARELLA
Grilling cucumbers gives them a nice charred flavor while retaining their bite. Try to buy Persian cucumbers that are thicker as the thin ones can often be too flimsy to cook. Torn mozzarella adds richness to the cucumbers doused with a garlicky, spiced tomato dressing. (Feel free to cook the cucumbers on an outdoor grill, treating them in the same way.) If you're into creamy cheeses, then burrata works very well here, too - or, you could keep this dish vegan by leaving out the mozzarella completely. It will still have a wonderful umami flavor without it. Make this a complete meal by serving alongside your protein of choice.
Provided by Yotam Ottolenghi
Categories dinner, lunch, vegetables, side dish
Time 30m
Yield 4 side-dish servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Start with the dressing: Add the tomatoes, oil, garlic, miso, bay leaves, cardamom shells and seeds, paprika and a heaping ¼ teaspoon salt to a large (lidded) sauté pan. Place over medium-high heat, give everything a good stir and leave it, uncovered, until it starts to bubble gently.
- Once bubbling, turn the heat down to medium-low, cover with the lid and cook gently for 15 minutes, stirring once, until the tomatoes have burst and start to release their juices. Turn down the heat if necessary; you want the garlic to soften without taking on color, and you want the tomatoes to not completely disintegrate. Stir in the lime juice and set aside.
- Heat a grill pan over high, and ventilate your kitchen well.
- Halve the cucumbers lengthwise then use a small spoon to scrape out and discard the seeds. Slice each halved cucumber lengthwise into 2 equal pieces, then transfer the cucumber quarters to a bowl and toss with the oil, ½ teaspoon salt and a good grind of pepper. When the grill pan is very hot, grill them in batches, cut sides down, for 2 to 3 minutes, then flip them over and grill for 1 to 2 minutes more. You want nice grill marks and for the cucumbers to soften but still retain a bite. (You don't want any floppy cucumbers.) As they're ready, immediately transfer to the tomato pan, stirring to coat in the dressing.
- Once they're all grilled, stir the cilantro into the pan and transfer the mixture to a large serving platter with a lip. Sprinkle on the torn mozzarella, along with a good pinch of salt, and tuck the cheese under the cucumbers in places. You can serve this dish hot or at room temperature.
STUFFED CUCUMBERS
For a change of pace, I like to serve these stuffed cucumbers in place of a lettuce salad. They're really refreshing, and a touch of French dressing makes them a colorful addition to any meal. -Mrs. Howard Phipps, Hernando, Mississippi
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 10m
Yield 2 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cut cucumber in half lengthwise. Scoop out seeds and pulp, leaving a 1/4-in. shell. Place seeds and pulp in a colander. Sprinkle with salt; drain for 30 minutes. , Meanwhile, combine the cream cheese, green pepper, onion, Worcestershire sauce and pepper; mix well. Stir in 2-3 tablespoons drained pulp. Spoon into cucumber shells; sprinkle with paprika. Refrigerate until serving. Serve with French dressing if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 181 calories, Fat 15g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 47mg cholesterol, Sodium 731mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 5g protein.
MARINATED CUCUMBERS
These cucumber slices make a cool summer side dish dressed in a light, tangy vinegar and oil mixture seasoned with herbs. The refreshing salad is always a hit when served with cold sandwiches or grilled meat. -Mary Helen Hinson, Lamberton, North Carolina
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch Side Dishes
Time 10m
Yield 12 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers and onion. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the remaining ingredients; cover and shake well. Pour over cucumber mixture; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Serve with a slotted spoon.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 48 calories, Fat 2g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 106mg sodium, Carbohydrate 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 2g protein.
Tips:
- Choose the right cucumbers: Look for firm, dark green cucumbers with no blemishes or bruises. English or Persian cucumbers are ideal for this recipe.
- Make sure the tapenade is flavorful: Use high-quality ingredients and adjust the seasonings to your taste. You can also add other ingredients to the tapenade, such as chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
- Chill the mousse before serving: This will help it to set and firm up. You can also garnish the mousse with fresh herbs, such as dill or chives.
- Serve the cucumbers with the mousse as an appetizer or snack: They can also be served as a side dish to grilled or roasted meats or fish.
Conclusion:
Cucumbers with Tapenade Mousse is a refreshing and flavorful appetizer or snack that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. With its combination of crisp cucumbers, creamy mousse, and flavorful tapenade, this dish is sure to be a hit with your guests.
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