Cucumbers and Sour Cream Recipe
✨ Description: This delightful Cucumbers and Sour Cream recipe is a refreshing twist to your regular salad routine, adding a creamy and tangy flavor to crisp cucumbers.
🥒 Ingredients:
- 3 cucumbers
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 onion (optional)
🔪 Instructions:
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Prepare Cucumbers: Start by peeling and slicing the cucumbers into thin rounds. You can use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin slices, or a sharp knife for a rustic touch.
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Salt and Rest: Sprinkle the sliced cucumbers with 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. This step helps draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers, making them crispier. Place the salted cucumbers in a colander set over a bowl or in the sink, and let them rest in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours. This process not only seasons the cucumbers but also helps them retain their crunch.
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Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine the vinegar, sugar, sour cream, and pepper. The vinegar adds a subtle tanginess, while the sugar balances the acidity, and the sour cream brings a creamy richness to the dressing. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined, creating a creamy and flavorful dressing.
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Combine with Cucumbers: Once the cucumbers have rested and released excess moisture, remove them from the refrigerator. Gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove any remaining salt. If desired, thinly slice an onion and add it to the cucumbers for an extra layer of flavor and crunch. Fold the prepared cucumbers (and onions, if using) into the sour cream dressing until evenly coated.
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Chill Before Serving: Transfer the dressed cucumbers to a serving bowl or dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 and 1/2 hours before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste of the dish. For optimal results, serve the Cucumbers and Sour Cream salad chilled. The colder they are, the more refreshing they’ll be!
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Enjoy: Once chilled, serve your Cucumbers and Sour Cream salad as a side dish or a light appetizer. The creamy dressing complements the crispness of the cucumbers, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This recipe is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to utilize an abundance of cucumbers from your garden or local market.
🍽️ Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 76.9
- Fat Content: 4.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 2.7g
- Cholesterol Content: 12mg
- Sodium Content: 719.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 8.5g
- Fiber Content: 0.9g
- Sugar Content: 5.1g
- Protein Content: 1.6g
👩🍳 Recipe Notes:
- Variation: Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a burst of freshness, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Make-Ahead: This Cucumbers and Sour Cream salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Serve with: Pair this refreshing salad with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a topping for baked potatoes. It also makes a fantastic addition to picnics, potlucks, and summer gatherings.
- Health Benefits: Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water content, making them a hydrating and nutritious choice. Plus, the sour cream dressing adds a dose of calcium and probiotics, beneficial for gut health.
Indulge in the crisp freshness of cucumbers paired with the creamy goodness of sour cream in this irresistible recipe. Perfect for warm weather days or anytime you crave a light and flavorful salad!
