Ada's Cucumber Dip

Ada's Cucumber Dip Recipe - A Flavorful and Healthy Snack

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 2 cup

Introduction

Ada's Cucumber Dip is a refreshing and healthy addition to any meal or snack time. This simple yet delicious recipe combines the crispness of fresh cucumbers with the tangy zest of lemon and the creamy texture of low-calorie yogurt, creating a dip that is not only flavorful but also beneficial for your health. Perfect for those looking for a light and nutritious option, this dip is sure to become a favorite.

History

The recipe for Ada's Cucumber Dip has its roots in traditional cuisines that emphasize the use of fresh, wholesome ingredients. Cucumbers have been a staple in diets around the world for centuries, known for their hydrating properties and crisp texture. The combination of cucumber with yogurt is a classic pairing found in many cultures, particularly in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, where such dips are often served as a cooling accompaniment to spicy dishes.

Ingredients

1 thinly sliced cucumber
1 small thinly sliced onion
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp lemon juice
0.5 tsp marjoram
8 oz (227 g) low-calorie yogurt

How to prepare

Peel and thinly slice the cucumber and onion. Sprinkle them with salt and allow them to combine. In a separate bowl, mix together garlic powder, lemon juice, marjoram, and yogurt until thoroughly combined. Fold in the sliced cucumber and onion. Chill the mixture. Yield: 2 cups. 1 serving equals 1 milk. Calories: 10.

Variations

Experiment with adding different herbs and spices to the dip, such as dill, mint, or cumin, for a new flavor profile. For a creamier texture, blend the dip until smooth, or add diced tomatoes and olives for a chunkier version.
For a vegan version of Ada's Cucumber Dip, substitute the low-calorie yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative. Adding fresh herbs like dill or mint can also provide a refreshing twist to the original recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best flavor and texture for Ada's Cucumber Dip, use English cucumbers as they have fewer seeds and a sweeter taste. Also, draining the yogurt overnight in a cheesecloth can help achieve a thicker consistency, making the dip creamier. For a more intense flavor, let the dip chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Ada's Cucumber Dip can be served with a variety of vegetables such as carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, and cherry tomatoes for a healthy and colorful platter. It also pairs wonderfully with whole grain crackers or pita chips for a bit of crunch.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in preparing Ada's Cucumber Dip is allowing the sliced cucumber and onion to sit with salt before mixing with the other ingredients. This process helps to draw out moisture, resulting in a crisper texture and more concentrated flavors in the final dip.

Ingredient Substitutions

If marjoram is not available, oregano makes a suitable substitute, offering a similar flavor profile. For those looking to add a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added along with the other spices.

Make Ahead Tips

Ada's Cucumber Dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. In fact, preparing the dip in advance allows the flavors to develop more fully, enhancing the overall taste.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Ada's Cucumber Dip in a hollowed-out cucumber or bell pepper for a fun and edible serving dish. Garnishing the dip with a sprinkle of paprika or fresh herbs can also add a touch of color and elegance to the presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Ada's Cucumber Dip pairs beautifully with grilled meats or fish, providing a cool and creamy contrast to the smoky flavors. It also complements spicy dishes well, offering a soothing balance to the palate.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This dip is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving again.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ada's Cucumber Dip contains only 10 calories, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a flavorful dip without consuming too many calories.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Ada's Cucumber Dip contains approximately 3 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the cucumbers and onions, which are naturally low in carbs, making this dip an excellent choice for those monitoring their carbohydrate intake.

Fats

This dip is remarkably low in fats, with less than 1 gram per serving. The low-calorie yogurt used in the recipe contributes a minimal amount of fat, making Ada's Cucumber Dip a heart-healthy option that can be enjoyed without guilt.

Proteins

Each serving of Ada's Cucumber Dip provides about 2 grams of protein, primarily from the yogurt. While not a high-protein food, this dip can contribute to your daily protein intake, especially when paired with other protein-rich foods.

Vitamins and minerals

Ada's Cucumber Dip is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C from the lemon juice and cucumbers, calcium and phosphorus from the yogurt, and various B vitamins from both the cucumbers and yogurt. These nutrients play essential roles in maintaining good health.

Alergens

The primary allergen present in Ada's Cucumber Dip is dairy, due to the use of yogurt. Individuals with a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance should avoid this recipe or consider using a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

Summary

Overall, Ada's Cucumber Dip is a nutritious and low-calorie option that provides a good balance of vitamins, minerals, and proteins, with very low levels of carbohydrates and fats. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking for a healthy and refreshing dip.

Summary

Ada's Cucumber Dip is a versatile and healthy option that combines the freshness of cucumbers with the creaminess of yogurt, enhanced by the flavors of garlic, lemon, and marjoram. Low in calories and rich in nutrients, it's a perfect addition to any meal or snack. Whether you're looking for a light appetizer or a tasty accompaniment to your main dish, this dip is sure to delight.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with excitement. It was given to me by my dear friend Ada, a woman with a passion for cooking and a talent for creating delicious dishes. Ada and I had been friends for many years, and she had always been generous with sharing her recipes with me. But this one, her famous cucumber dip, was something special.

I still remember the day she handed me the recipe card, written in her elegant handwriting. She had a twinkle in her eye as she said, "This is one of my absolute favorites. I know you'll love it too." I couldn't wait to try it out for myself.

I followed Ada's instructions to the letter, carefully measuring out the ingredients and mixing them together in a bowl. The aroma of fresh dill and garlic filled my kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. When I took my first bite of the dip, I knew I had a new favorite recipe on my hands.

Over the years, I have made Ada's cucumber dip countless times, for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on lazy Sunday afternoons. Each time I make it, I think of Ada and the joy she brought me through her delicious recipes.

But the story of how I learned to make Ada's cucumber dip goes back even further than my friendship with Ada. It actually traces back to my own grandmother, who was a talented cook in her own right. She taught me the value of using fresh, high-quality ingredients, and the importance of sharing recipes with loved ones.

One summer when I was a young girl, my grandmother invited me to spend a week with her at her cozy cottage by the lake. It was there that she taught me how to make her famous cucumber salad, a simple dish that featured thinly sliced cucumbers, onions, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.

As we sat together on the porch, slicing cucumbers and chatting about life, my grandmother shared with me the story of how she had learned to make the salad from her own mother, who had brought the recipe with her from the old country. It was a dish that had been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own unique twist to the recipe.

I remember the taste of that cucumber salad like it was yesterday - crisp and refreshing, with just the right amount of tanginess from the vinegar. It was a dish that spoke to me of tradition and family, of the bonds that are created through sharing food and recipes with loved ones.

And so, when I learned Ada's recipe for cucumber dip, I knew that I had found another gem to add to my collection of family recipes. It was a recipe that brought together my grandmother's teachings and Ada's friendship, a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

As I sit here now, stirring together the ingredients for Ada's cucumber dip, I can't help but smile at the memories that this recipe evokes. It reminds me of lazy summer afternoons spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, of laughter and stories shared with Ada over a delicious meal.

And as I take a taste of the finished dip, I am filled with gratitude for the women who have passed down their love of cooking and sharing recipes to me. For it is through their teachings that I have learned the true joy of creating delicious dishes to be enjoyed by family and friends.

So here's to Ada, to my grandmother, and to all the women who have shaped me into the cook I am today. May their recipes live on, bringing joy and nourishment to future generations. And may the spirit of sharing and creating in the kitchen continue to bind us together, now and always. Cheers to Ada's cucumber dip, a recipe that will always hold a special place in my heart.