Polish Cucumber Salad

Introduction

History

Cucumber salad is a popular dish in Polish cuisine, often served as a side dish with grilled meats or as a refreshing snack on a hot day. The combination of cucumbers and sour cream is a classic pairing in Polish cooking, and this salad is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a delicious and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to slice the cucumbers and onions thinly to ensure that they absorb the flavors of the dressing.

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

- Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences - add more sugar for a sweeter salad or more dill for a stronger herb flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Polish Cucumber Salad as a side dish with grilled meats, fish, or as a light lunch on its own.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe requires no cooking - simply slice the cucumbers and onions, mix the dressing, and combine everything in a bowl.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar in place of lemon juice.

- Use plain yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter dressing.

Make Ahead Tips

Polish Cucumber Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with a sprig of fresh dill or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Polish Cucumber Salad with grilled sausages, roasted chicken, or as a side dish with pierogi.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Serve chilled.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Polish Cucumber Salad contains approximately 80 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Polish Cucumber Salad contains approximately 8 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Polish Cucumber Salad contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Polish Cucumber Salad contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Polish 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

Polish Cucumber Salad is a light and refreshing dish that is low in calories and a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Polish Cucumber Salad is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for summer. With its crisp cucumbers, tangy onions, and creamy dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next meal. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Polish Cucumber Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Anna in her quaint little village in Poland. As soon as I arrived at her house, I was greeted with the most amazing aroma of fresh herbs and vegetables.

Anna invited me into her kitchen, where she was busy chopping cucumbers and onions. She explained that she was making a traditional Polish cucumber salad, a dish that her grandmother had taught her how to make when she was just a little girl.

I was intrigued by the simplicity of the recipe and the delicious combination of flavors. Anna graciously offered to teach me how to make the salad, and I eagerly accepted her offer.

We started by peeling and slicing the cucumbers, making sure to remove the seeds to prevent the salad from becoming too watery. Anna then thinly sliced a red onion and added it to the cucumbers in a large bowl.

Next, she sprinkled the vegetables with a generous amount of salt and sugar, explaining that this would help draw out the excess moisture from the cucumbers and onions. We let the mixture sit for a few minutes while we prepared the dressing.

For the dressing, Anna combined vinegar, water, and a touch of honey in a small saucepan, bringing the mixture to a simmer until the honey had dissolved. She then poured the warm dressing over the cucumbers and onions, giving everything a gentle toss to ensure that the flavors were well combined.

As the salad marinated in the dressing, we chopped up fresh dill and parsley to add a burst of freshness and color to the dish. Anna explained that the herbs were a crucial component of the salad, as they added a depth of flavor and a beautiful aroma.

Finally, we placed the salad in the refrigerator to chill for a couple of hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to soak up the tangy dressing. When it was time to serve the salad, we garnished it with a sprinkling of black pepper and a dollop of sour cream for a creamy finish.

I took my first bite of the Polish cucumber salad, and my taste buds were immediately delighted by the crispness of the cucumbers, the sweetness of the onions, and the tangy kick of the dressing. The herbs added a lovely freshness to the dish, making it the perfect accompaniment to a summer meal.

As I savored each bite of the salad, I couldn't help but think about the generations of women who had passed down this recipe in Anna's family. It was a simple dish, yet it held so much history and tradition within its flavors.

I thanked Anna for sharing her grandmother's recipe with me and promised to carry on the tradition in my own kitchen. I knew that this Polish cucumber salad would become a staple in my cooking repertoire, a dish that would always remind me of that warm summer day in Anna's kitchen.

And so, with a heart full of gratitude and a stomach full of delicious salad, I bid farewell to Anna and her village, knowing that I had discovered a culinary treasure that would bring joy to my family for years to come.

Categories

| Cucumber Recipes | Dill Recipes | Polish Recipes | Polish Salads | Red Onion Recipes | Slavic Recipes | Sour Cream Recipes | Vinegar Recipes |

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