Sweet-Sour Cucumbers
Sweet-Sour Cucumbers Recipe from Haiti with White Vinegar and Oregano
Introduction
Sweet-Sour Cucumbers is a refreshing and tangy side dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or as a light and healthy snack. The combination of sweet and sour flavors with crisp cucumbers makes for a delicious and satisfying dish.
History
Sweet-Sour Cucumbers have been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. The sweet and sour flavor profile is a classic combination that has been enjoyed by people all over the world. This recipe is a simple and easy way to enjoy the flavors of sweet and sour in a light and refreshing dish.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup of white vinegar
- 0.25 tsp of white pepper
- 0.33 cup of salad oil
- 0.25 tsp of oregano leaves
- 2 tbsp of sugar
- 3 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 0.75 tsp of salt
How to prepare
- In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes to allow the flavors to blend, stirring occasionally.
Variations
- Add thinly sliced red onion for an extra kick of flavor.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs such as dill or parsley for added freshness.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to thinly slice the cucumbers for the best texture and flavor.
- Allow the dish to refrigerate for at least 45 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure that the cucumbers are evenly coated in the sweet-sour dressing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Sweet-Sour Cucumbers as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it on its own as a light and refreshing snack.
Cooking Techniques
Refrigerate the dish for at least 45 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and the cucumbers to marinate.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar for a slightly different flavor.
- Substitute honey for sugar for a natural sweetener option.
Make Ahead Tips
This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Sweet-Sour Cucumbers in a decorative bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair this dish with grilled meats, seafood, or tofu for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories per serving: 150
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 10g per serving
Fats
Fats: 14g per serving
Proteins
Proteins: 1g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Potassium
Alergens
Allergens: None
Summary
This dish is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy and delicious option for a side dish or snack.
Summary
Sweet-Sour Cucumbers is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or as a light and healthy snack. The combination of sweet and sour flavors with crisp cucumbers makes for a refreshing and satisfying dish that is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
How did I get this recipe?
I recall the feeling of curiosity that washed over me when I found this recipe for Sweet-Sour Cucumbers in an old cookbook that belonged to my great-grandmother. The pages were yellowed and fragile, and the handwritten notes in the margins were faded with time. As I carefully turned the pages, I couldn't help but wonder about the origins of this intriguing recipe.
Growing up in a small town in the countryside, fresh ingredients were always abundant. My mother was an excellent cook, and I spent many hours in the kitchen watching her prepare delicious meals for our family. She taught me the importance of using fresh, seasonal ingredients and the art of balancing flavors to create harmonious dishes.
One summer afternoon, while helping my mother tend to the vegetable garden, I noticed an abundance of cucumbers growing on the vines. We had already pickled several jars of cucumbers, but I was eager to try something new. That's when I remembered the recipe for Sweet-Sour Cucumbers that I had found in my great-grandmother's cookbook.
I excitedly showed the recipe to my mother, and she smiled knowingly. "Ah, Sweet-Sour Cucumbers," she said. "That was your great-grandmother's specialty. She used to make them every summer when the cucumbers were in season. They were always a hit at family gatherings."
Eager to learn the recipe, I asked my mother to show me how to make the Sweet-Sour Cucumbers. She happily agreed and we set to work in the kitchen. I carefully followed her instructions, slicing the cucumbers thinly and preparing the sweet and tangy brine that would give the dish its distinctive flavor.
As the cucumbers soaked in the brine, I couldn't help but think about my great-grandmother and the generations of women who had passed down this recipe. I imagined them standing in their own kitchens, slicing cucumbers and mixing ingredients, their hands moving with practiced ease.
When the Sweet-Sour Cucumbers were finally ready, I eagerly took a bite. The crispness of the cucumbers paired perfectly with the sweet and tangy flavor of the brine. It was a taste of summer, a reminder of the simple pleasures of good food made with love and care.
Over the years, I have continued to make Sweet-Sour Cucumbers, sharing the recipe with friends and family who have all marveled at its unique and delicious flavor. Each time I make them, I am transported back to that summer day in my mother's kitchen, learning a treasured family recipe that has been passed down through the generations.
As I grow older, I realize the importance of preserving these culinary traditions and passing them on to future generations. The recipes we inherit from our ancestors are more than just instructions for making a meal; they are a connection to our past, a link to the people who came before us and the lives they lived.
And so, as I make Sweet-Sour Cucumbers in my own kitchen, I feel a sense of gratitude for my great-grandmother and all the women who came before me, who lovingly preserved this recipe for me to discover and enjoy. It is a testament to the power of food to bring us together, to nourish our bodies and our souls, and to keep alive the memories of those we hold dear.
Categories
| Cucumber Recipes | Haitian Recipes | Haitian Salads | Oregano Recipes | White Pepper Recipes | White Vinegar Recipes |