With the hot summer here in Az. a cool dish is warranted. We
first had this dish about 4 months ago at a new Restaurant in Tempe ,
Az. called Miu's Cuisine and found it to
be delicious and refreshing. So we set about to recreate it at home and are
pleased with the results ---so enjoy.
INGREDIENTS:
5 Persian or Chinese cucumbers, about 1 lb. *
Cilantro for garnish
Dressing:
4 clove of Garlic
2 Tbsp rice
wine vinegar
2-3 pinches of sugar
Scant 1/4 tsp sesame oil
pinch crushed Sichuan pepper
PREPARATIONS:
Wash the cucumbers and Roll cut to 1 x 1 chunks. The chunks
would give you a more substantial texture than the slices. Sprinkle 1/2 tbsp of
salt and mix with the cucumber chunks. Let it sit for half an hour, rinse the
cucumbers then let drain. Squeeze out the excess liquid with your hands in a
towel.
Crush the Szechwan pepper in
a mortar and pestle.
Wash the cilantro shaking off
the water. Cut the leaves from the stems and chop very coarsely.
In a small bowl, mix together the vinegar, sugar, pepper and sesame oil.
Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Peel and crush the garlic with the side
of a cleaver then roughly chop and add to the dressing. (May be prepared in advance to develop the
flavor)
Pour over the cucumber, toss and sprinkle with cilantro. Chill 1/2 to 1
hour before serving.
* Persian Cucumbers are quite small, only about 5-6 inches in length and about 1 to 1-1/4 inches in diameter. They are thin skinned and have very small seeds.
* Persian Cucumbers are quite small, only about 5-6 inches in length and about 1 to 1-1/4 inches in diameter. They are thin skinned and have very small seeds.