Estonian Cucumber Salad

Estonian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Estonia

Region / culture: Estonia | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Estonian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and simple dish that is perfect for summer. This salad is a staple in Estonian cuisine and is often served as a side dish with grilled meats or fish.

History

Cucumber salad has been a popular dish in Estonia for centuries. Cucumbers are a common vegetable in the region and are often pickled or used in salads. The combination of cucumbers, salt, and dill is a classic flavor profile in Estonian cuisine.

Ingredients

3 cucumbers
sea salt (to taste)
1 tsp chopped dill

How to prepare

Slice the organic cucumber finely.
Sprinkle with sea salt flakes, drain, and mix with chopped dill.

Variations

You can add thinly sliced red onion or radishes to the salad for added flavor and crunch. You can also add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for a tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making Estonian Cucumber Salad, be sure to slice the cucumbers thinly for the best texture. Sprinkling the cucumbers with sea salt helps to draw out excess moisture and enhances the flavor. Be sure to drain the cucumbers before mixing them with the chopped dill to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.

Serving Suggestions

Estonian Cucumber Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled meats, fish, or as a topping for sandwiches or wraps.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Estonian Cucumber Salad is to slice the cucumbers thinly and let them sit with salt to draw out excess moisture. Be sure to drain the cucumbers well before mixing them with the dill.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh dill, you can use dried dill or substitute with fresh parsley or mint.

Make Ahead Tips

Estonian Cucumber Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to drain any excess liquid before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Estonian Cucumber Salad in a decorative bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh dill sprigs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Estonian Cucumber Salad pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or as a topping for sandwiches or wraps. It also pairs well with other traditional Estonian dishes such as potato salad or smoked fish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Estonian Cucumber Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to drain any excess liquid before serving. This salad is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 20 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 5g per serving

Fats

Fats: 0g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 1g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Estonian Cucumber Salad is a good source of vitamin K and potassium.

Alergens

Estonian Cucumber Salad is gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free.

Summary

Estonian Cucumber Salad is a low-calorie dish that is high in vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy and refreshing side dish that is perfect for summer.

Summary

Estonian Cucumber Salad is a simple and refreshing dish that is perfect for summer. This salad is a staple in Estonian cuisine and is a healthy and delicious side dish that pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or as a topping for sandwiches or wraps. Enjoy this classic Estonian dish at your next summer gathering!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Estonian Cucumber Salad. It was many years ago, during one of my travels to Estonia, that I stumbled upon a quaint little cafe in the heart of Tallinn. The smell of fresh dill and tangy vinegar wafted through the air as I entered, and I knew I had found a hidden gem.

I ordered the cucumber salad, intrigued by the combination of ingredients listed on the menu. When the dish arrived at my table, I was taken aback by its simplicity and elegance. Thinly sliced cucumbers, dressed in a light vinaigrette and topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs – it was a revelation.

I asked the waitress for the recipe, but she simply smiled and said it was a family secret passed down through generations. Determined to recreate this dish in my own kitchen, I set out on a mission to uncover the secrets behind the Estonian Cucumber Salad.

I spent days exploring local markets, searching for the perfect cucumbers and the freshest dill I could find. I talked to elderly women who shared their tips and tricks for making the perfect salad, each one adding their own unique touch to the recipe.

One day, while chatting with a kind old lady at the market, I finally stumbled upon the missing piece of the puzzle. She told me that the key to a truly authentic Estonian Cucumber Salad was in the quality of the vinegar used. She whispered the name of a small, family-owned vineyard on the outskirts of Tallinn, where they produced the most exquisite vinegar in all of Estonia.

I made my way to the vineyard, where I met the owner, an elderly man with a twinkle in his eye. He welcomed me into his kitchen and showed me the process of making the vinegar – from the harvesting of the grapes to the fermentation and aging process. The aroma that filled the room was intoxicating, and I knew I had found the missing ingredient that would elevate my cucumber salad to new heights.

Armed with the freshest cucumbers, the finest dill, and the most exquisite vinegar, I returned to my kitchen determined to recreate the Estonian Cucumber Salad that had captured my heart. I sliced the cucumbers thinly, just as I had seen in the cafe, and tossed them with the vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and a sprinkle of salt.

As I took my first bite of the salad, I closed my eyes and was transported back to that quaint cafe in Tallinn. The flavors burst on my tongue – the crispness of the cucumbers, the tang of the vinegar, and the freshness of the dill. It was a symphony of flavors that danced across my palate, and I knew I had finally unlocked the secret to the perfect Estonian Cucumber Salad.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of this simple yet elegant dish. Each time I make it, I am reminded of my journey to uncover its secrets and the joy it brings to those who taste it.

And so, as I sit here in my kitchen, chopping cucumbers and sprinkling dill, I am grateful for the experiences that have led me to this moment. The Estonian Cucumber Salad will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past and bring us closer to those we love.