Smashed Cucumbers And Radishes In Yogurt Sauce Food

SMASHED CUCUMBER SALAD

Steps:

• Wrap each cucumber in plastic wrap to minimize splattering. Place on a work surface and pound with a flat object (like a meat pounder) until cucumbers crack and are slightly flattened. Remove from plastic. Cut cucumbers in half; halve each side lengthwise. Slice into 1- to 1 1/2 -inch wide slices. Transfer to a strainer set over a bowl.
• Sprinkle cucumber with sugar and salt; mix until well combined. Refrigerate bowl and strainer for 30 to 60 minutes so cucumber pieces can drain into the bowl.
• Place garlic, seasoned rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl. Whisk together thoroughly.
• Transfer drained cucumbers into bowl with dressing. Toss to coat. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to mingle.
• Place cucumbers in serving bowl and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

SMASHED CUCUMBERS

Steps:

• 1. Put the prepared cucumbers on a cutting sheet and using either a large pestle or a cast iron frying pan, lightly smash the cucumbers.
• 2. Add the smashed cucumbers to a medium bowl, and add the onion, parsley, mint, salt and pepper. Mix it all together well.
• 3. In a small bowl mix together the yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar and oil, blending well.
• 4. Now add the dressing to the cucumber mixture and toss gently. Taste and re-season if necessary.

RADISH AND CUCUMBER SALAD WITH YOGURT DRESSING

Steps:

• In a cheesecloth-lined sieve set over a bowl let the yogurt drain for 2 hours. In a bowl stir together the drained yogurt, the radishes, the cucumber, the garlic paste, the mint or parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. Divide the salad among individual salad plates lined with the lettuce or serve it as a sandwich filling for the pita bread.

CUCUMBER AND RADISH SALAD WITH YOGURT AND CUMIN

Steps:

• Cut the cucumbers in half and using a teaspoon, scoop out seeds if necessary. Slice paper-thin. Toss with a generous amount of salt and place in a colander over a bowl or in the sink for 10 minutes. Place in a bowl of cold water and swish them around, then salt again and let sit for another 10 minutes. Rinse and drain on a clean kitchen towel. Transfer to a salad bowl and add the radishes and sesame seeds or nigella seeds.
• In a small bowl stir the cumin, pepper, turmeric and curry powder into the yogurt. Whisk in the garlic and lemon juice. Add salt to taste. Toss with the cucumbers and radishes, garnish with chopped chives and serve, or refrigerate until ready to serve.

CHINESE SMASHED CUCUMBERS WITH SESAME OIL AND GARLIC

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 small bowl, combine salt, sugar and rice vinegar. Stir until salt and sugar are dissolved. Stir in sesame oil and soy sauce.
• When ready to serve, shake cucumbers well to drain off any remaining liquid and transfer to a serving bowl. Drizzle with grapeseed or olive oil and toss. Add half the dressing, half the garlic and the red pepper flakes to taste, and toss. Keep adding dressing until cucumbers are well coated but not drowned. Taste and add more pepper flakes and garlic if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with cilantro and sesame seeds.

SPICY CUCUMBERS WITH YOGURT, LEMON AND HERBS

Steps:

• Toss the cucumber pieces with 1 teaspoon salt and set in a colander in the sink to drain.
• In a small pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the coriander and cumin, and toast until fragrant, stirring to avoid scorching, about 1 minute. Remove oil from heat, add red-pepper flakes and allow to cool.
• In a medium bowl, toss the salted cucumber pieces with the scallions, spiced oil and apple cider vinegar. Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes or overnight while you prepare the yogurt.
• In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, half of the herbs (mint, dill and parsley), zest and juice of the lemon and the olive oil. Stir to incorporate, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Spread the yogurt mixture on a plate or the bottom of a shallow bowl. Using a slotted spoon to drain the cucumbers and scallions of excess liquid, evenly place the cucumbers and scallions on top of the yogurt. Finish with the remaining chopped herbs and pine nuts (if using), and serve immediately.