Cucumbers With Cream And Mint Food

CREAMY CUCUMBER SALAD

Steps:

• Using a Japanese mandolin or a sharp knife, thinly slice the cucumbers about 1/16-inch thick. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large colander and toss well with 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Place the colander over a large bowl and allow the cucumbers to sit and begin to drain for 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, whisk together the sour cream, white balsamic vinegar, olive oil, mint, chives and the remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Set aside.
• Using your hands or a rubber spatula, squeeze or press out the excess water from the cucumbers. It is best to work in small batches to extract as much water as possible. Add the squeezed cucumbers to the sour cream dressing. Using a rubber spatula, toss the cucumber in the dressing until well coated, and serve.

CREAMY DILLED CUCUMBER SALAD

Steps:

• Stir together the yogurt, garlic, lemon zest and juice, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a medium bowl until combined. Add the cucumbers, shallot, dill and mint; stir until the cucumbers are well coated. Serve sprinkled with dill and mint.

MINT CUCUMBER SOUP

Steps:

• Peel and cut 1 1/2 of the cucumbers into large chunks (set the remaining unpeeled 1/2 cucumber aside).
• Combine the cucumber chunks in a food processor with the yogurt, sour cream, olive oil, mint, salt, garlic and plenty of white pepper. Pulse, scraping down the sides, until completely smooth.
• Ladle the mixture into cold bowls or refrigerate until serving. Chop the remaining cucumber into fine dice and divide among the bowls. Swirl some sour cream into each bowl, drizzle with a bit of olive oil and scatter with mint and almonds.

CUCUMBER MINT TEA SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Place cucumber slices between layers of paper towels to remove excess moisture.
• In a small bowl, combine the mint, butter, and cream cheese; spread on one side of each slice of bread. Lay the cucumber slices onto the buttered side of 8 slices of bread. Sprinkle with salt. Top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side down.
• Gently cut the crusts from each sandwich with a sharp knife. Cut the sandwiches in half diagonally and then cut in half again.
• Makes 8 whole sandwiches, or 16 halves, or 32 fourths.

CUCUMBERS IN CREAM

Steps:

• In a bowl, combine cucumbers, onion, water and salt. Let stand for 1 hour; drain and rinse. In a serving bowl, beat cream, sugar and vinegar. Add cucumbers and onion; toss gently. Sprinkle with parsley if desired.

CUCUMBERS WITH MINT VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Peel the cucumbers and slice them in half lengthwise.
• Scoop out the seeds with a spoon and discard.
• Cut the cucumbers into thin slices and combine in a bowl with the oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
• Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
• Add the mint immediately before serving.

CUCUMBERS WITH CREAM AND MINT

Steps:

• Peel and slice: 2 cucumbers.
• If the seeds are large and tough, cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon before slicing. Place in a medium-size bowl and sprinkle with: Salt.
• In another bowl, combine: 1/4 cup heavy cream, 3 tablespoons olive oil, Juice of 1/2 lemon, Fresh-ground black pepper.
• Stir well. If water has accumulated with the cucumbers, drain it off. Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers and combine. Coarsely chop: 3 mint sprigs, leaves only and toss with the cucumbers. Taste and adjust the salt as needed. Serve cool.
• Variations
• Add pounded garlic to the dressing.
• Serve alongside sliced beets dressed with oil and vinegar.
• Grate or dice the cucumbers and serve as a sauce over baked salmon.
• Parsley, chervil, basil, or cilantro can be substituted for the mint.
• Substitute plain yogurt for the cream.
• Add spices such as cumin, coriander, or mustard seeds to the dressing.