SPICY CUCUMBERS WITH YOGURT, LEMON AND HERBS

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Spicy Cucumbers With Yogurt, Lemon and Herbs image

This recipe brings together two contrasting components to create a bright summer dish. A simple yogurt sauce is dressed up with herbs and zest, then topped with cucumbers that have marinated in a spicy oil. Coriander, cumin and red-pepper flakes bloom in a neutral oil, and the cucumbers take on the flavors as they sit. For the yogurt, a variety of garden fresh herbs work well, but dill and mint are crucial. Both the yogurt and the cucumbers can be prepared up to a day in advance and kept refrigerated until serving. When you're ready, spread the yogurt sauce in a wide bowl or plate. Spoon the cucumbers on top evenly so each each bite gets a little yogurt and a little cucumber: One will temper the spiciness of the other. Save a handful of the herbs for a fresh garnish.

Provided by Yewande Komolafe

Categories     easy, salads and dressings, vegetables, side dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 1/2 pounds Persian cucumbers (about 8), ends trimmed and quartered lengthwise into spears, then crosswise into 2-inch pieces
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/4 cup grapeseed oil or other neutral oil, such as canola, safflower, sunflower oil
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
2 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
1/2 cup mint leaves, thinly sliced
1/4 cup dill, chopped
1/4 cup parsley leaves and tender stems, chopped
1 lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
Black pepper
1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)

Steps:

  • Toss the cucumber pieces with 1 teaspoon salt and set in a colander in the sink to drain.
  • In a small pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the coriander and cumin, and toast until fragrant, stirring to avoid scorching, about 1 minute. Remove oil from heat, add red-pepper flakes and allow to cool.
  • In a medium bowl, toss the salted cucumber pieces with the scallions, spiced oil and apple cider vinegar. Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes or overnight while you prepare the yogurt.
  • In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, half of the herbs (mint, dill and parsley), zest and juice of the lemon and the olive oil. Stir to incorporate, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Spread the yogurt mixture on a plate or the bottom of a shallow bowl. Using a slotted spoon to drain the cucumbers and scallions of excess liquid, evenly place the cucumbers and scallions on top of the yogurt. Finish with the remaining chopped herbs and pine nuts (if using), and serve immediately.

Rana usama
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This dish is a great way to use up fresh herbs from your garden.


Jeffrey Durante
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I'm going to try this recipe with different types of cucumbers, like Persian cucumbers or English cucumbers.


Qaisra Khan
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This dish is a great way to get your kids to eat more vegetables.


Yanelis Flores
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I'm going to make this recipe for my next party.


Andrew Best
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This is a great recipe for a healthy and refreshing snack.


Abriam Francisco
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I'm going to try this recipe with different herbs, like basil or mint.


TECHNO BHI 56
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This dish is a great way to use up leftover yogurt.


Olj1k
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I'm not a huge fan of cucumbers, but this recipe has changed my mind. The yogurt-lemon dressing is amazing!


ahmed ruman
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This is a great recipe for a light and refreshing summer salad.


Dalim khna
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I love the simplicity of this recipe. It's quick and easy to make, and the results are always delicious.


Lile Damai
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This dish is a great side dish for grilled chicken or fish. It's also a refreshing and healthy snack.


Orakwue Francisca
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I'm always looking for new ways to prepare cucumbers, and this recipe definitely fits the bill. The combination of yogurt, lemon, and herbs is simply divine.


Imran Siddique
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This salad is so easy to make and it's a great way to use up leftover cucumbers. The yogurt-lemon dressing is light and refreshing, and the herbs add a nice touch of flavor.


Sawyer Mays
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I tried this recipe last night and it was a hit! The cucumbers were perfectly crisp and the dressing was flavorful and well-balanced. I added a bit of extra dill for an even more herbaceous flavor.


Naomi Nicole
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This dish brings a refreshing twist to the classic cucumber salad with its tangy yogurt-lemon dressing and aromatic herbs. The cucumbers retain their crisp texture, while the dressing adds a delightful burst of flavor that tantalizes the taste buds.