🥒🍽️ Annie’s Creamy Cucumbers 🥒🍽️
Annie’s Creamy Cucumbers is a delightful and refreshing side dish or salad made with crisp cucumbers and a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s a popular dish that’s perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing accompaniment to a variety of meals. Let’s dive into its history, components, preparation steps, and time needed to make it.
📜 History:
The origins of Annie’s Creamy Cucumbers are a bit unclear, but it likely emerged as a homey and comforting dish in American cuisine. It’s a simple recipe that has been passed down through generations, often enjoyed as a family favorite during the hot summer months.
🥒 Components:
To make Annie’s Creamy Cucumbers, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4-5 medium-sized cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
👩🍳 Preparation Steps:
- Start by washing and peeling the cucumbers if desired. You can also leave the peel on for added texture and color.
- Slice the cucumbers thinly. If you prefer a more rustic look, you can use a mandoline for uniform slices.
- In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, and sugar. Whisk these ingredients together until the sugar is fully dissolved, and you have a smooth dressing.
- Add the sliced cucumbers to the dressing and toss to coat them evenly.
- If you like a bit of zing, add thinly sliced red onions to the mixture and gently combine.
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill over the cucumbers and dressing mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
⏰ Preparation Time:
The total time needed to prepare Annie’s Creamy Cucumbers is approximately 40 minutes, including the time for slicing, mixing, and refrigerating. It’s a quick and easy dish to put together, making it perfect for a last-minute addition to your meal.
Now, you’re ready to enjoy this cool and creamy cucumber salad that’s bursting with flavor. 🥒🥗 It’s a classic side dish that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a standalone treat on a hot day. Enjoy! 😋👌
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and health information for Annie’s Creamy Cucumbers:
🥒 Nutrition Facts (Approximate per Serving):
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 11g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 2g
- Vitamin D: 2%
- Calcium: 4%
- Iron: 2%
- Potassium: 8%
🌱 Health Information:
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Low in Calories: Annie’s Creamy Cucumbers are relatively low in calories, making them a good choice for those looking to manage their calorie intake.
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Source of Healthy Fats: While it contains fats from mayonnaise and sour cream, these fats provide creaminess and flavor. The majority of fats in this dish are unsaturated fats.
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Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Cucumbers are a good source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin K and potassium. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone health, while potassium helps regulate blood pressure.
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Hydrating: Cucumbers have a high water content, which helps keep you hydrated, especially on hot days.
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Dietary Fiber: The cucumbers in this dish provide a small amount of dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.
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Moderate Sugar: The sugar content mainly comes from the added sugar in the dressing. While it’s not overly high, those watching their sugar intake should be mindful of portion sizes.
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Protein: This dish provides a small amount of protein, but it’s not a significant source. Consider pairing it with protein-rich foods for a balanced meal.
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Allergen Information: Be aware that this recipe contains dairy (sour cream and mayonnaise) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance.
Overall, Annie’s Creamy Cucumbers can be a nutritious and refreshing addition to your meal, particularly when enjoyed in moderation. It’s a great way to incorporate cucumbers into your diet, benefiting from their hydrating and vitamin-rich properties.