SMASHED CUCUMBERS WITH CUMIN TAHINI
Cool, watery cucumbers and warm, rich sesame oil are a classic combination in Asia, and the chef Danny Bowien builds on that tradition here by using sesame paste and smashed cucumbers, which have even more crunch and juice than sliced ones. The lime, oregano and cumin in the dressing can lean either Middle Eastern or Mexican, but in any case they are a perfect pairing for cucumbers. Mr. Bowien adds a pinch of sugar to the strainer; it does wonders for transforming the color and taste of the cucumber peels, which can be bitter. He serves this dish with a funky, fiery drizzle of chorizo oil with dried shrimp and XO sauce, but a little chile paste and vinegar is a fine accent, too.
Provided by Julia Moskin
Categories salads and dressings, side dish
Time 45m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Rinse cucumbers and pat dry. Cut crosswise into pieces about 4 inches long. Cut each piece in half lengthwise.
- On a work surface, place a piece of cucumber (or several) cut side down. Lay the blade of a large knife flat on top the cucumber and smash down lightly with your other hand. The skin will begin to crack, the flesh will break down and the seeds will separate. Repeat until the whole piece is smashed. Break or slice diagonally into bite-size pieces, leaving the seeds behind.
- Place the cucumber pieces in a strainer and toss with a big pinch of salt and a big pinch of sugar. Place a plastic bag filled with ice on top of the cucumbers to serve as a weight and place the strainer over a bowl. Let drain 15 to 30 minutes on the counter, or in the refrigerator until ready to serve, up to 4 hours.
- Make the dressing: In a blender or small food processor, combine lime juice and garlic and blend. Add tahini and 2 tablespoons warm water and blend. Check the texture; you want a smooth, creamy liquid. If necessary, add more warm water and blend again. Add olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, the cumin and the oregano, rubbing the dried leaves between your fingers to release the flavors. Taste for salt and adjust the seasonings.
- Make the chile vinegar, if desired: Place sambal in a bowl and slowly drizzle in white vinegar, stirring to loosen. Taste often and stop adding vinegar when mixture is tart and spicy, but not enough to make your eyes water.
- When ready to serve, shake cucumbers well to drain off any remaining liquid and transfer to a bowl. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and toss. Add half the dressing, toss and taste. Keep adding dressing until cucumbers are well coated but not drowned.
- Serve immediately. For each serving, scoop a large spoonful of cucumbers into a bowl, spoon a little chile vinegar around the edges and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 136, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 12 grams, Fat 10 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 431 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams
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Bongani Moyo
[email protected]I love that this salad is so easy to make. It's perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
Sandreka Wren
[email protected]This salad is a great way to use up extra cucumbers.
Laurel McDonald
[email protected]I'm so glad I found this recipe. It's a new favorite in my household.
Hvem.spurgte.dinmor
[email protected]This is a great recipe for a healthy and delicious side dish.
SABID AHMED
[email protected]I made this salad for my family and they all loved it. Even my picky kids ate it!
Noor Papiya
[email protected]This salad is perfect for a hot summer day. It's light and refreshing.
chunnu shekh
[email protected]I love the cumin-tahini dressing. It's so creamy and flavorful.
Korshed Alum
[email protected]I've never had smashed cucumbers before, but I'm definitely a fan now. This salad is so good!
Putin Boy
[email protected]This is a great recipe for a summer party. It's easy to make and everyone loves it.
SARTHAKGAMING8.8
[email protected]This salad is so refreshing and flavorful. I love the combination of the cucumbers, cumin, and tahini.
Blackbeard420
[email protected]I've made this salad several times now and it's always a hit. It's the perfect side dish for grilled chicken or fish.
Ainhoa Morillo
[email protected]This is a great recipe for a light and healthy lunch. I love that it's so easy to make and that it's packed with flavor.
Yasir Saab
[email protected]I'm not a huge fan of cucumbers, but I really enjoyed this salad. The dressing is so good that it makes the cucumbers taste amazing.
Mathapelo Thapi
[email protected]I made this salad for a party and it was a hit! Everyone loved the unique flavor of the cumin-tahini dressing.
dylan mcmahon
[email protected]This smashed cucumber salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that is perfect for summer picnics and potlucks. The cucumbers are crisp and the cumin-tahini dressing is creamy and tangy.