Bowl of Marniated Cucumbers
(click to enlarge)

Cucumbers, Marinated


Russia   -   Smedomi
Makes:
Effort:
Sched:
DoAhead:  		 1-1/4 #
**
4 hrs
Must		 This is a very popular zakuska (appetizer) in Russia, served by the piece rather than as a salad. This is a "quick" version - for a "do ahead" (2 weeks) version see our recipe Salted Cucumbers.

1-1/2
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2
1/4
3
3
1/2
1/2
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#
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cl
c
T
T
t
t
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Cucumbers (1)
-- Marinade
Garlic
Parsley
Olive Oil, ExtV  
Wine Vinegar
Salt
Pepper, black  
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You can serve in a bowl with toothpicks, or, my favorite, on cut squares of black bread (see Photo). See also Comments.

Make   -   (4 hr - 22 min work)
  1. Cut ends from CUCUMBERS and cut into thick sticks about 2 inches long, or however long fits in your cucumbers without waste. For smallish Persian Cucumbers I quarter them lengthwise and cut in make 2 to 3 cuts crosswise, depending on length. Put them in a non-reactive bowl to be marinated.
  2. Crush GARLIC and chop very fine. Strip leaves from PARSLEY and chop them fairly fine (measure is after chopping). Mix together all Marinade items and whip it all together well. Pour over Cucumbers and tumble to coat well.
  3. Let marinate at room temperature for at least 3 hours, tumbling now and then, then refrigerate until well chilled.
  4. Drain the Cucumbers and serve as appetizers, with toothpicks or on squares of black bread, or however you want (see Serving).
NOTES:

  1. Cucumbers:

      If at all possible, use narrow unwaxed cucumbers that need not be peeled or seeded (Persian, Japanese, European. etc.). If you must use the standard green blimps, peel them and seed them. Weight given is after peeling and seeding. The photo example was made with Persians, which are very widely available here in Los Angeles.

  2. Serving:

      In Russia, these are often served in a bowl, to be taken as desired. Separate bowls of Honey and Sour Cream are provided for dipping. Served on Black Bread, no dips are needed, but the bread may be coated with Sour Cream.

  3. Comments:

      This recipe is from Russian immegrant ladies in New York in the 1980s. It is from a collection aiming to preserve a culture that was at risk of being lost, and to do so as authenticly as possible.
  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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