Name: Hungarian cucumber salad
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 large cucumber; 2 tsp salt; 2 cloves of garlic, minced; 3 Tbsp white vinegar; 3 Tbsp water; 2 Tbsp caster sugar (approx); Optional: 1 Tbsp chopped dill; To serve: pinch of paprika and/or sour cream, optional

Hungarian cucumber salad

30 May 2016

by Emese

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

5 minutes

Total Time

10 minutes

Background

Cucumber salad is a very popular side dish in Hungary. Some people serve it with dill, others with sour cream and a pinch of paprika. I like to make it with added water because I can keep the salad in a jar or bowl for a few days in the fridge (like a pickle). If you prefer and instant salad, then add the garlic with the salt to the cucumber slices, let it rest for 30 minutes, then squeeze out the excess liquid and just pour over the vinegar & sugar (and dill, if liked), toss and serve. The Hungarian cucumber salad is a perfect condiment for burgers, sandwiches, meatballs, barbecued meat and fish. It's also ideal for parties and picnics.

Ingredients

1 large cucumber
2 tsp salt
2 cloves of garlic, minced
3 Tbsp white vinegar
3 Tbsp water
2 Tbsp caster sugar (approx)
Optional: 1 Tbsp chopped dill
To serve: pinch of paprika and/or sour cream, optional

Instructions

Thinly slice or shred the cucumber (Hungarians tend to peel it too).
Toss the cucumber slices in a sieve or colander with the salt until well combined. Put this over a bowl or the sink for about 30 minutes until softened. Squeeze out excess liquid then transfer to a bowl. (You can rinse it with water then drain if salt is an issue for you).
Combine 1 Tbsp sugar with the vinegar and water in a small bowl and stir until the sugar dissolves. Taste and adjust the sweetness & acidity to your liking. Add the garlic and dill (if used) Pour the dressing over the cucumber slices.
Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a pinch of paprika, if liked.