Kuwaiti Cucumber Salad

Introduction

History

Cucumber salads have been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. The combination of cucumbers, yogurt, and fresh herbs is a classic flavor profile that is loved by many in the region. This particular recipe for Kuwaiti Cucumber Salad has been passed down through generations and is a favorite in many Kuwaiti households.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to dice the cucumbers into small, uniform pieces for the best texture in the salad.

- Crushing the garlic with salt helps to release the flavors and create a paste that evenly distributes throughout the salad.

- Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your taste preferences.

- Drizzling the salad with olive oil just before serving adds a nice finishing touch and enhances the flavors of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or lamb, or as a light lunch on its own.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to toss the ingredients gently to avoid crushing the cucumbers.

- Let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh mint or parsley, you can use dried herbs instead.

- You can use regular yogurt or Greek yogurt in place of non-yogurt.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to drizzle with olive oil just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salad in a large bowl or on a platter, garnished with extra herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, rice dishes, or as a light and refreshing side to a Middle Eastern feast.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This salad is best served fresh and does not reheat well.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 120 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 5g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 4g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (yogurt) and gluten (bread).

Summary

This Kuwaiti Cucumber Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Kuwaiti Cucumber Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or as a light and healthy meal. With its refreshing combination of cucumbers, yogurt, and fresh herbs, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Kuwaiti Cucumber Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Fatima in her cozy kitchen. Fatima had just returned from a trip to Kuwait, where she had learned this recipe from her aunt. As soon as she started explaining the ingredients and preparation method, I knew I had to try it out myself.

Fatima began by slicing fresh cucumbers into thin rounds, then sprinkling them with salt and letting them sit for a few minutes to draw out their natural juices. While the cucumbers were resting, she chopped up some tomatoes and red onions, adding them to a large bowl with the cucumbers.

Next, Fatima made the dressing for the salad. She mixed together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a touch of cumin, creating a fragrant and tangy dressing that would elevate the flavors of the vegetables. As she poured the dressing over the cucumber mixture, the kitchen filled with the aromas of fresh herbs and spices.

I watched in awe as Fatima tossed the salad gently, ensuring that the dressing coated each and every piece of cucumber and tomato. The colors of the vegetables were vibrant against the white ceramic bowl, promising a burst of fresh flavors with each bite.

Finally, Fatima added a handful of fresh mint leaves and parsley to the salad, giving it a refreshing and herbaceous finish. She explained that in Kuwait, fresh herbs are a staple in many dishes, adding a depth of flavor that is unmatched.

As we sat down to enjoy the salad together, I marveled at how such simple ingredients could come together to create such a delicious and satisfying dish. The crunch of the cucumbers, the sweetness of the tomatoes, and the zing of the lemon juice all worked harmoniously to create a symphony of flavors in my mouth.

After that day, I made Kuwaiti Cucumber Salad countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes. Sometimes, I would add a bit of chili powder for a spicy kick, or swap out the tomatoes for bell peppers for a different texture. But no matter how I modified the recipe, the essence of the dish remained the same – fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of Kuwaiti cuisine to those around me. Each time I make the salad, I think of Fatima and her aunt in Kuwait, and how their generosity in sharing this recipe has brought so much joy and flavor into my life.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, preparing Kuwaiti Cucumber Salad for yet another gathering of loved ones, I am grateful for the memories and connections that this simple dish has brought me. It may just be a salad, but to me, it represents a world of flavors and experiences that I am privileged to have learned and shared. And for that, I am forever grateful.

Categories

| Cucumber Salad Recipes | English Cucumber Recipes | English Recipes | Kuwaiti Recipes | Kuwaiti Salads | Kuwaiti Vegetarian | Mint Recipes | Pita Recipes | Yogurt Recipes |

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