Dish of Cucumber Salad, Yunnan - Dai
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Cucumber Salad, Dai


China, Yunnan, Dai
Makes:
Effort:
Sched:
DoAhead:  		 14 oz
**
35 min
Yes		 An interesting salad from the Dai people of the southern tip of Yunnan. It is made in many variations, see Comments

1
1
3
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1
1/3
1
1/2
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ar
#
t
oz
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cl
in

T
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Cucumbers (1)  
Salt
Tomato
-- Dressing
Garlic
Ginger
Thai Chili (2)
Rice Vinegar
-- Garnish
Cilantro
Make   -   (35 min - 15 min work)
  1. Slice CUCUMBERS thin, and in whatever direction you like, but less than 2 inches long.
  2. Place Cucumbers in a bowl and mix them well with the salt. Let them sit for 30 minutes or so. This will prevent the salad from getting watery when standing.
  3. Select a small TOMATO. Cut into quarters and slice thin. Drain well. Select 3 ounces for the salad.
  4. Crush GARLIC and chop very fine. Slice GINGER very thin, cut slices into threads, and cut threads crosswise very fine. Mix.
  5. Drain Cucumbers very well, but don't rinse.
  6. Tumble Cucumbers with Garlic mix and Rice Vinegar. Add Tomatoes and tumble some more.
  7. Serve garnished with Cilantro.
NOTES:

  1. Cucumber:

      If at all possible use thin cucumbers like Persian or Japanese that don't have to be peeled and seeded. The instructions above presume Persians 6 inches long. If all you have is the standard waxed green blimps, you will have to peel and seed them, then weigh them. For details see our Cucumbers page.

  2. Thai Chili:

      Typical of the Southeast Asian corner of Yunnan, this salad should have a definite chili bite. For most people, one Thai Chili (red or green) will be plenty, but use your own best judgement. For details see our Chinese Chilis pages.

  3. Comments:

      This sort of salad is made by the Dai people with many variations. The Cucumbers can be sliced various ways. It can be without tomato but with lots of herbs. It can be garnished with crushed roasted peanuts rather than Cilantro. It can use either Vinegar or Lime Juice. The salad can be mixed with crushed ice just before serving. The two things that don't change are Cucumbers and Thai Chilis.
  4. U.S. measure: t=teaspoon, T=Tablespoon, c=cup, qt=quart, oz=ounce, #=pound, cl=clove in=inch, ar=as required tt=to taste
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