Recipe By: Six Seasons: A New Way with Vegetables
Ingredients
1 pound lemon cucumbers or other cucumber varieties ((preferably a mix of colors and shapes))
1 medium red onion
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
¼ cup plain whole-milk yogurt ((not Greek))
1 small handful papalo leaves or other fresh herbs
1 small handful basil leaves
1 small bunch chives (cut into 3-inch lengths)
1 small cluster dill sprigs
Extra-virgin olive oil
Gewürtztraminer
Step By Step
1️⃣ Peel
PEEL the cucumbers if their skins are tough or waxed. Trim the stem end of the cucumbers, halve them lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds.
2️⃣ Set
SET the flat side of a half cucumber on a cutting board and cut into ⅛-inch-thick slices. Put the cucumber slices in a large colander.
3️⃣ Cut
CUT off the ends of the onion, halve it length-wise, and cut into thin half-moon slices as well. Add to the colander.
4️⃣ Salt
SALT the vegetables generously (about 2 teaspoons), tossing to distribute the salt. Let everything sit for about 40 minutes. This will soften the aggressive flavor of the onion and draw out excess moisture from the cucumber and cure it slightly.
5️⃣ Lift
LIFT the cucumbers and onion out of the colander and pile onto a couple of paper towels. Blot to remove the excess moisture and salt, then pile into a large bowl.
6️⃣ Add
ADD the vinegar and toss well. Add the yogurt and toss again. Add the papalo (if using), basil, chives, and dill and toss again. Season with cracked pepper. Taste and add more salt, vinegar, or pepper to make the flavor pop. Finish with a nice shot of olive oil and toss again.
