Pakistani Cucumber Salad Recipe - Fresh and Flavorful

Pakistani Cucumber Salad

Pakistani Cucumber Salad Recipe - Fresh and Flavorful
Region / culture: Pakistan | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Pakistani Cucumber Salad
Pakistani Cucumber Salad

Pakistani Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for hot summer days. This salad is a popular side dish in Pakistani cuisine and is often served with grilled meats or rice dishes.

History

Cucumber salad has been a staple in Pakistani cuisine for generations. It is a simple and easy dish to prepare, yet it is packed with flavor and nutrients. The combination of cucumbers, tomatoes, and a tangy sauce creates a delicious and refreshing salad that is loved by many.

Ingredients

Sauce

How to prepare

  1. Peel the cucumbers and cut them in half lengthwise.
  2. Remove and discard the seeds.
  3. Cut the cucumbers into half-inch slices.
  4. Add finely cut tomatoes.
  5. In a wide-mouth bottle with a tight-fitting lid, combine the sauce ingredients and shake until thoroughly blended.
  6. Pour the sauce over the cucumber slices and toss just before serving.
  7. Serve the dish cold.

Variations

  • Add some chopped fresh mint or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
  • You can also add some chopped red onion or green chilies for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to remove the seeds from the cucumbers before slicing them, as the seeds can make the salad watery.

- For a more intense flavor, let the salad marinate in the sauce for a few hours before serving.

- You can adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar in the sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Pakistani Cucumber Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled meats, rice dishes, or as a light and refreshing snack on its own.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe requires no cooking, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sesame oil, you can use olive oil or vegetable oil as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the salad and the sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine them just before serving for the best flavor.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Pakistani Cucumber Salad in a decorative bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, rice dishes, or as a light and refreshing snack on its own.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This salad is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Pakistani Cucumber Salad contains approximately 70 calories.

Carbohydrates

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

Fats

Each serving of Pakistani Cucumber Salad contains approximately 3 grams of fats.

Proteins

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

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

This recipe contains soy sauce, which may contain gluten. Please check the label if you have a gluten allergy.

Summary

Pakistani Cucumber Salad is a low-calorie dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy and delicious side dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Summary

Pakistani Cucumber Salad is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for hot summer days. With its refreshing flavors and nutrient-rich ingredients, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Pakistan. I had always loved to cook, and I spent many afternoons watching my mother and grandmother as they prepared delicious meals for our family.

One day, a new family moved into our village. They had come from a different part of Pakistan, and they brought with them a whole new set of recipes and cooking techniques. I was fascinated by the new flavors and ingredients they introduced to us, and I couldn't wait to learn more.

One afternoon, I was walking past their house when I caught a whiff of something delicious coming from their kitchen. I hesitated for a moment, then knocked on the door and asked if I could watch them cook. The family welcomed me in with open arms, and I spent the next few hours watching and learning as they prepared a traditional Pakistani meal.

One of the dishes they made that day was a cucumber salad unlike anything I had ever tasted before. It was light and refreshing, with a perfect balance of flavors and textures. I asked the family for the recipe, and they were kind enough to write it down for me.

I rushed home that day, eager to try out the recipe for myself. I gathered all the ingredients I needed – fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, cilantro, and a few spices – and got to work in the kitchen. As I chopped and mixed, the familiar scents of home cooking mingled with the new flavors I had learned that day.

When I finally tasted the salad, I knew I had found something truly special. The crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes were perfectly complemented by the tangy dressing and fragrant herbs. I couldn't wait to share this new recipe with my family and friends.

Over the years, I have made this Pakistani cucumber salad countless times. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding a dash of this or a pinch of that to suit my own tastes. But no matter how many times I make it, the dish always brings back memories of that fateful day when I first discovered it.

I have shared the recipe with my own children and grandchildren, passing down not just the ingredients and instructions, but also the story of how I came to learn it. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to bridge gaps between cultures and generations.

As I sit here now, with my grandchildren gathered around me, I can't help but feel grateful for all the recipes and memories I have collected over the years. Each dish tells a story, a piece of my history that I am proud to pass on to the next generation.

And so, as I continue to cook and create in my kitchen, I will always hold onto the memory of that day when I first learned to make Pakistani cucumber salad. It is a reminder of the joy and wonder that cooking can bring, and a testament to the enduring power of food to connect us all.

Categories

| Cucumber Recipes | Cucumber Salad Recipes | Pakistani Recipes | Pakistani Salads | Sesame Oil Recipes | Tomato Recipes |

Recipes with the same ingredients