Finnish Cucumber Salad

Finnish Cucumber Salad Recipe - A Delightful Finnish Dish

Region / culture: Finland | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Finnish Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and light dish that is perfect for the summer months. This salad is a staple in Finnish cuisine and is often served as a side dish or as a topping for grilled meats.

History

Cucumber salad has been a popular dish in Finland for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the rural areas of the country, where cucumbers were a common crop. The simple yet flavorful combination of cucumbers, dill, and sour cream has stood the test of time and remains a favorite among Finns.

Ingredients

5 small cucumbers, peeled and sliced
salt
4 tbsp chopped dill
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 cup sour cream
a dash of sugar
2 tbsp fresh tomato paste
2 tbsp wine vinegar
0.25 cup olive oil
freshly ground pepper

How to prepare

Sprinkle salt over the sliced cucumbers and let them sit for 30 minutes. Strain the liquid using a strainer. Transfer the sliced cucumbers to a bowl.
In a separate bowl, combine cream, dill, garlic, pepper, and sugar. Gradually add tomato paste, vinegar, and oil while continuously mixing. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and refrigerate until well chilled.

Variations

Add chopped red onion or radishes for extra crunch and flavor.
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a healthier alternative.
Add a splash of lemon juice for a citrusy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to peel the cucumbers before slicing them to remove any bitterness from the skin.

- Allowing the cucumbers to sit with salt helps to draw out excess moisture, resulting in a crispier salad.

- For a creamier dressing, you can add more sour cream or adjust the amount of olive oil to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

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

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Finnish Cucumber Salad is to allow the cucumbers to sit with salt to draw out excess moisture and to refrigerate the salad before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh dill, you can use dried dill instead. You can also substitute white wine vinegar for the wine vinegar.

Make Ahead Tips

Finnish Cucumber Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Finnish Cucumber Salad in a decorative bowl garnished with fresh dill sprigs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Finnish Cucumber Salad pairs well with grilled salmon, roasted chicken, or as a topping for open-faced sandwiches.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Finnish Cucumber Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze as the cucumbers will become mushy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Finnish Cucumber Salad contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Finnish Cucumber Salad contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Finnish Cucumber Salad contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Finnish Cucumber Salad contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Finnish Cucumber Salad is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Finnish Cucumber Salad is a light and refreshing dish that is low in calories and carbohydrates. It is a good source of vitamin C and potassium.

Summary

Finnish Cucumber Salad is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for the summer months. With its crisp cucumbers, creamy dressing, and fresh dill, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Finnish Cucumber Salad. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my aunt in Finland. She was known for her incredible culinary skills and always had a new and delicious dish to share with us.

One sunny afternoon, my aunt invited me into her kitchen to help her prepare a meal for our family. As we chopped, mixed, and stirred, she suddenly pulled out a large cucumber and began to slice it into thin, delicate rounds. I watched in awe as she added vinegar, sugar, and dill to the cucumber slices, creating a tangy and refreshing salad unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

I asked her where she had learned to make such a unique and delicious dish, and she smiled and told me the story of how she had first discovered the recipe. It had been passed down to her from her own grandmother, who had learned it from a dear friend many years ago.

As my aunt continued to prepare the salad, she shared with me the importance of using fresh ingredients and taking the time to season the dish just right. She explained how the flavors of the cucumber, vinegar, and dill would come together to create a harmonious and refreshing dish that would be the perfect addition to any meal.

After that day, I made sure to write down the recipe for Finnish Cucumber Salad in my notebook, knowing that it was a dish I wanted to recreate for my own family someday. Over the years, I have made the salad countless times, each time adding my own touch and flavor to the dish.

As I think back on that day in my aunt's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the knowledge and skills she passed down to me. The recipe for Finnish Cucumber Salad has become a staple in my own culinary repertoire, and I am always delighted to share it with friends and family.

I have since shared the recipe with many others, who have all been amazed by the unique and refreshing flavors of the dish. I love to tell the story of how I first learned to make Finnish Cucumber Salad and how it has become a cherished family recipe that we enjoy year after year.

As I continue to cook and create in my own kitchen, I am reminded of the importance of passing down traditions and recipes from generation to generation. The recipe for Finnish Cucumber Salad will always hold a special place in my heart, as a reminder of the love and memories shared in my aunt's kitchen all those years ago.