Cucumbers are one of the most loved fruits out there (apparently, they’re classified as fruits, not vegetables!), because they calorie-friendly, loaded with water and can keep you hydrated, versatile to make into many different drinks and food items and of course, they are super healthy as well.
Be it a salad, cold drink, soup or pickle, you can make it all using cucumbers! Yes, you can check out these easy recipes below!
Easy Cucumber Recipes
1. Cucumber Cold Soup
Ingredients:
- 3 cucumbers (chopped)
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- 1.5 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/8 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves
- 2 pods garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
Into a blender, add in all the ingredients and blend until smooth and without lumps. Add in just a little water, if required. Pour into a bowl and refrigerate for an hour. Enjoy chilled.
2. Cucumber Sandwich
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bread
- 2 slices of cheese
- 10 slices of cucumber
- 10 slices of tomatoes
- Pepper and salt to taste
- Butter to spread
Method:
Onto the slices of bread, apply the butter and thereafter, spread the cucumber and tomato slices over the bread. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste and lastly place the slice of cheese to top it up. Close the sandwich with another slice of buttered bread and enjoy.
Suggestion: You could also grill or microwave this sandwich for the cheese to melt and enjoy.
3. Cucumber Kimchi
Ingredients:
- 3 English cucumbers (sliced)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 small carrot ( julienned) ( optional)
- 2 tbsp gochugaru – Korean chili flakes
- 1/2 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- ½ tsp fish sauce
- 1 Tbsp honey or sugar ( optional – to balance the flavor)
Method:
In a colander, toss the sliced cucumbers with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt and let stand for 20 minutes. Rinse the cucumbers and drain well.
Into a bowl, add the cucumber along with the other ingredients. Add more salt or chili flakes if needed. Keep it at room temperature for about 12 to 18 hours then move it to the fridge. Serve once chilled.
4. Cucumber Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 English cucumbers, very thinly sliced
- ½ large red onion, very thinly sliced
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- Chopped fresh chives, optional, for garnish
- Freshly ground black pepper
Method:
Into a bowl, add in the sliced cucumber, onion, vinegar, salt and honey. Chill for 20 mins. Transfer to a serving bowl, leaving any excess water behind. Sprinkle with the dill and chives, if desired. Season with several grinds of pepper and serve.
5. Cucumber Pickle
Ingredients:
- 250 grams cucumber
- (Cut into wedges or thick slices)
- 1 sprig of fresh herbs of choice
- ½ tbsp salt
- ½ tbsp sugar (optional)
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup vinegar of choice
- ½ tsp dried herbs or spices
- 1 tsp spices
Method:
Into a jar or two (in case your jars are small) and add in the flavourings (spices, herbs, seasoning etc).
Note: In case you are using two jars, make sure to divide all the ingredients before you begin with the assembling procedure.
Next, add in the cucumber. Make sure that it is tightly packed (but do not smash them) and leave an inch space at the top, until the lid so that the lid fits and screws on perfectly.
Lastly, add in the pickle brine (the pre-mix of the salt, sugar, water, vinegar). Pour the brine over the vegetables and fill each jar to the top (leaving ½ to 1 inch space at the top). Thereafter, tap the jars gently on a cloth, placed on your counter. This will help remove all the air bubbles. Seal the jar(s) by screwing on the lids tightly and securely. Leave them to sit at room temperature until cool.
Thereafter, store the quick pickled vegetables in the refrigerator and wait for at least 48 to 72 hours before you can open them to consume.
6. Cucumber Lemon Mocktail
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cucumber pieces
- 1 cup water
- Juice of 2 limes
- 10 to 12 mint leaves
- Maple syrup to taste (optional)
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup soda
- Ice cubes or crushed (as required, optional)
Method:
Into a mixer blender, add in the cucumber pieces, water, mint leaves, lime juice and salt to taste. Blend well and strain into a jug. Add in some ice cubes and soda and drizzle with maple syrup (optional). Stir, pour into a glass and enjoy.