Indonesian Cucumber Salad

Introduction

History

The origins of Indonesian Cucumber Salad can be traced back to traditional Indonesian cooking, where fresh vegetables are often used in salads to complement the rich and spicy flavors of the main dishes. The combination of cucumbers, lime juice, and chili paste creates a unique and flavorful salad that has become a staple in Indonesian cuisine.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove the seeds from the cucumbers before cutting them into pieces to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.

- Adjust the amount of chili paste according to your spice preference. You can also add fresh chili peppers for an extra kick.

- For a sweeter salad, you can increase the amount of brown sugar or add a splash of honey.

- Make sure to refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Indonesian Cucumber Salad can be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats, rice dishes, or spicy curries. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing snack.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Indonesian Cucumber Salad is to let the flavors marinate together in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the cucumbers to absorb the tangy and spicy flavors of the dressing.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have chili paste on hand, you can use sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes as a substitute. You can also use lemon juice instead of lime juice for a slightly different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Indonesian Cucumber Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the flavors.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Indonesian Cucumber Salad in a decorative bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh cilantro leaves or sliced red chili peppers for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, beef satay, or tofu stir-fry. It also goes well with coconut rice or jasmine rice to balance out the flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Indonesian Cucumber Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply let it come to room temperature or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Indonesian Cucumber Salad contains approximately 50 calories.

Carbohydrates

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

Fats

This salad is low in fat, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.

Proteins

Indonesian Cucumber Salad is a protein-free dish.

Vitamins and minerals

Cucumbers are a good source of vitamins K and C, as well as potassium and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free, making it suitable for those with common food allergies.

Summary

Indonesian Cucumber Salad is a low-calorie, refreshing dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy and delicious addition to any meal.

Summary

Indonesian Cucumber Salad is a simple and flavorful dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or as a light and healthy snack. With its tangy and spicy flavors, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the first time I saw this recipe for Indonesian Cucumber Salad. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Indonesia. My grandmother, who was an amazing cook, had been teaching me how to make traditional dishes from our homeland. One day, she brought out a worn and stained piece of paper that she had tucked away in her recipe box. She told me that this recipe had been passed down through generations of our family, and that it was a favorite dish of my great-grandmother.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I was struck by the simplicity of the dish. Cucumbers, red onion, chili peppers, sugar, vinegar, and salt were all that was needed to create this delicious and refreshing salad. I watched as my grandmother deftly sliced and diced the vegetables, combining them with the sweet and tangy dressing. The aroma of the vinegar and chili peppers filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Once the salad was finished, my grandmother handed me a spoonful to taste. The crunch of the cucumbers, the heat of the chili peppers, and the sweetness of the dressing all combined to create a symphony of flavors in my mouth. I was hooked from the first bite, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made this Indonesian Cucumber Salad countless times, refining the recipe and making it my own. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about its deliciousness. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that day in my grandmother's kitchen, when she passed down a piece of our family history to me.

I have also learned that the best recipes are not just about the ingredients and the measurements, but about the memories and traditions that they carry with them. This Indonesian Cucumber Salad is more than just a dish - it is a connection to my past, to my family, and to the rich culinary heritage of Indonesia.

As I sit here now, preparing to make this salad once again, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for all that my grandmother taught me. She may no longer be with us, but her spirit lives on in every dish that I create. And I know that as long as I continue to pass down these recipes to future generations, she will never be forgotten.

So here's to you, Grandma, and to the Indonesian Cucumber Salad that binds us together across time and space. I will always cherish the memories of our time spent in the kitchen, and I will continue to honor your legacy through the food that we shared and loved. Thank you for teaching me the art of cooking, and for instilling in me a love for the flavors and traditions of our homeland. I will always be grateful for the gift of your recipes, and I will carry them with me in my heart forever.

Categories

| Cucumber Salad Recipes | Indonesian Recipes | Indonesian Salads | Indonesian Snacks | Indonesian Vegetarian | Lime Juice Recipes | Shallot Recipes |

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