**Title: A Refreshing Journey into Hungarian Cuisine: Grandma Vargas' Cucumber Salad and Beyond**
In the heart of Central Europe, Hungarian cuisine offers a delightful symphony of flavors, colors, and textures. Among its culinary treasures, Grandma Vargas' Hungarian Cucumber Salad stands out as a refreshing and vibrant dish that captures the essence of summer. This classic salad features crisp cucumbers bathed in a tangy dressing of vinegar, sugar, dill, and sour cream, creating a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, and savory notes.
In this article, we present not only Grandma Vargas' beloved cucumber salad recipe but also a collection of other Hungarian culinary gems, each one a testament to the country's rich culinary heritage. From the hearty and flavorful Chicken Paprikash, a traditional stew brimming with tender chicken, paprika, and vegetables, to the comforting and iconic Goulash, a beef stew that embodies Hungarian cuisine's depth and complexity.
For those with a sweet tooth, the Hungarian Dobos Torte beckons with its intricate layers of sponge cake, chocolate buttercream, and caramel glaze, a masterpiece that showcases Hungary's pastry-making prowess. And for a savory treat, the savory Hungarian Lángos, a deep-fried flatbread typically topped with sour cream, cheese, and garlic, offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Whether you're a seasoned cook or a culinary adventurer, this article will guide you through the delightful world of Hungarian cuisine, inspiring you to create dishes that celebrate the vibrant spirit of this Central European gem. So, put on your apron and embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the heart of Hungary.
UBORKA SALáTA
Uborka saláta is a traditional Hungarian salad that is typically served as a side dish, often accompanying rich dishes like goulash.
Provided by Mike Benayoun
Categories Appetizer
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Cut the peeled cucumber into very thin slices, preferably with a mandoline.
- Add salt. Mix well and set aside for at least an hour.
- Drain the cucumber in a colander. Squeeze the cucumber with your hands if necessary.
- In a bowl, combine the vinegar, sugar and onion. Some add a little water or some of the cucumber water.
- Pour over cucumbers.
- Garnish with sour cream and sprinkle with paprika.
- This salad (without the cream) can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
HUNGARIAN CUCUMBER SALAD
Hungarian cucumber salad is typically eaten with many heavy, meat-centric meals, and we eat it a little differently than other nations typically do.Usually, instead of eating a salad as an appetizer, we eat this right along side our main meal, alternating bites to get something heavy and something light at the same time.
Provided by culinaryhungary
Categories Salad
Time 25m
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Peel the cucumbers and, using a mandolin slicer, slice both cucumbers as thinly as possible into a bowl. Add the salt and mix the cucumbers slices to lightly and evenly coat them with salt. Let sit for 15 minutes to draw out the water from the cucumbers.
- The cucumbers will release about ½+ cup of liquid. Then, take large handfuls of cucumbers and, with your hands clenched, squeeze out as much liquid as you can and place the balls of squeezed cucumbers in a bowl. Discard the liquid.
- In a cup, combine the sugar, the vinegar, and 1 cup of cold water and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add this mixture to the squeezed cucumbers and mix thoroughly. Add the chopped garlic, sprinkle with paprika powder and ground black pepper.
- The vinaigrette is so light and refreshing, that you will be tempted to drink it after you eat the cucumber salad. Enjoy!
HUNGARIAN CUCUMBER SALAD
Great salad to make when you have a ton of cucumbers coming out of the garden. We make this year round but we are real cuke lovers in this family. Let it sit for a few days in the fridge and it's even better! Great make-ahead dish for BBQs and parties.
Provided by Michelle Berger
Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Cucumber Salad Recipes
Time 15m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Lightly toss cucumber slices, onion slices, and chopped dill together in a large bowl.
- Pour vinegar over cucumber mixture; toss to coat.
- Pour oil over cucumber mixture; toss to coat.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 98.1 calories, Carbohydrate 8.9 g, Fat 7 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 1.3 g, SaturatedFat 1.1 g, Sodium 392.6 mg, Sugar 4 g
UBORKASALATA - HUNGARIAN CUCUMBER SALAD
An old-fashioned cucumber salad. So good! Excellent when served alongside Chicken Paprikas. Time does not include resting time of one hour, or refrigeration time.
Provided by Lori Loucas
Categories Other Salads
Time 30m
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- 1. Wash the cucumbers well, but do not peel. Using a mandoline, slice the cucumbers very thinly. Place half in a colander, then sprinkle with half the salt. Repeat.
- 2. Use a heavy plate to cover the cucumbers, and add a heavy weight on top. Two large cans of tomatoes do the trick. Put the colander in the sink or over a larger bowl to catch the liquid that will drain. Let sit for an hour.
- 3. After resting, use your hands to squeeze as much liquid from the cucumbers, handful by handful. Put them back in the colander and rinse thoroughly. Return them to the colander and weight them down again for 10-15 minutes. Do not squeeze any more liquid from the cukes.
- 4. Finely mince the garlic, and the dill (if using). Place the cucumbers in a large bowl, along with the garlic, dill (if using), sour cream, and vinegar. Mix thoroughly to coat.
- 5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. To serve, sprinkle the paprika over half the cucumbers. Sprinkle freshly grated black pepper over the other half. Serve.
Tips:
- Choose the right cucumbers: For the best results, use firm, crisp cucumbers with thin skins. English cucumbers or Kirby cucumbers are good choices.
- Slice the cucumbers thinly: This will help them absorb the marinade more easily.
- Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife will make it easier to slice the cucumbers thinly and evenly.
- Marinate the cucumbers for at least 30 minutes: This will give them time to soak up the flavors of the marinade.
- Serve the cucumbers chilled: This will make them even more refreshing.
Conclusion:
Grandma Vargas' Hungarian Cucumber Salad is a delicious and refreshing side dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. The cucumbers are crisp and flavorful, and the dressing is tangy and slightly sweet. This salad is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you like it mild or spicy, Grandma Vargas' Hungarian Cucumber Salad is sure to please everyone at your table.
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