Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad is a beloved dish enjoyed worldwide for its simplicity and delightful taste. It's not just a flavorful addition to meals; it also boasts numerous health benefits.
In Sri Lanka, where cucumber curry is occasionally prepared, cucumber salad is the go-to choice. It serves as a fantastic side dish to complement traditional rice and curry meals, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the main dishes. In fact, it's a staple in Sri Lankan cuisine, often replacing mallum, sambol or salad when needed. Sri Lankans take pride in their practice of pairing fresh salads with their daily meals, creating harmonious and satisfying combinations that are deeply ingrained in their culinary culture.
Variations:
Sri Lankan cucumber salad is highly adaptable, and you can personalize it to your liking. Some variations include:
- Mango Cucumber Salad: Add diced ripe mango for a sweet and tropical twist.
- Pineapple Cucumber Salad: Garnish it with small slices of pineapple, which adds a delightful and tropical twist to the dish.
- Yogurt and Milk Dressing: Mix in a bit of yogurt or milk or both to make the salad creamier. This is well paired with Biriyani.
- Tempered Cucumber Salad: In Sri Lankan cuisine, tempering is a common technique. Heat oil and add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chilies. Pour this tempering over the salad for added depth of flavor.
- Mint and Coriander: Fresh mint and coriander leaves can be added for a burst of herbal freshness.
Health Benefits: Cucumber salad is not just delicious; it's also incredibly healthy. Cucumbers are low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. They're also composed mainly of water, making them an excellent choice for hydration. Additionally, the fresh herbs and vegetables in the salad provide a variety of nutrients and antioxidants.
Sri Lankan style cucumber salad is a delightful dish that showcases the bold and exotic flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine. It's not only a delicious side dish but also a great way to experience the unique taste sensations of this vibrant culinary tradition. Whether you're enjoying it with a spicy curry or as a refreshing snack, this salad is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Cucumber salad is a delightful and healthy addition to any meal. Its crisp texture, refreshing taste, and versatility make it a favorite among both chefs and home cooks. Whether you enjoy it as a side dish for rice and curry, a light lunch, or a topping for grilled meats and fish, cucumber salad is a classic recipe that never goes out of style.
- 2 Fresh Cucumbers
- 1 Large red onion or white onion, thinly sliced
- 3 Green chilies, finely chopped (Adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 Medium-sized tomatoe, diced (Or 5-6 Cherry tomatoes)
- 1 Lime or lemon (Juice of 1 lime or lemon)
- 1 teaspoon salt (Adjust to your taste)
- 1 teaspoon Pepper (Adjust to your spice preference)
- Gather Ingredients.
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and peel them if desired (peeling is optional). Then, slice the cucumbers thinly. You can use a mandoline slicer for even and thin slices. Sometimes In Sri Lanka, cucumbers have large seeds. If the cucumbers have large seeds, you can remove them. - In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, thinly sliced red or white onion, chopped green chilies and diced tomatoes. Squeeze the juice of one lime or lemon over the mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Adjust the quantity according to your preference for spiciness. Gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure they are well combined. Be careful when handling the green chilies and pepper - you can add more or less depending on how spicy you like it. - Allow the Sri Lankan cucumber salad to chill in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.
Optional Garnish - You can garnish the salad with a few fresh mint leaves or coriander leaves for added freshness and color. Additionally, you can enhance the flavors of this salad by garnishing it with small slices of pineapple, which adds a delightful and tropical twist to the dish.