A recipe is merely words on paper; a guideline, a starting point from which to improvise. It cannot pretend to replace the practiced hand and telling glance of a watchful cook. For that reason, this is also an account of what happens when I make this dish, so youll understand each step. Of course when you cook it once, it becomes yours, so personalize it a bit. Add more of an ingredient you like or less of something you dont like. Try substituting one ingredient for another. Remember words have no flavour, you have to add your own!
This quick and easy dish is inspired by a common salad in Thai cooking. Like all Thai food its full of nicely balanced flavours. The sweetness of the cucumbers is sharpened by the sourness of the spicy dressing, which in turn is cooled by the refreshing mint.
Directions for: Cucumber Mint Salad with Spicy Asian Dressing
Ingredients
For the Salad:1 large cucumber
1 thinly sliced red onion
1 handful of mint leaves
For the Dressing:1 cup of rice wine vinegar
2 heaping spoonfuls of Thai chili garlic sauce
2 heaping spoonfuls of sugar
A sprinkle or two of salt
Directions
For the Salad:1. Thinly slice the cucumber and toss it with the red onion, mint and a generous splash of the dressing. Serve immediately or let rest for a few minutes.
For the Dressing:1. Whisk everything together until a smooth dressing forms using an old-fashioned whisk and bowl.
See more: No-Cook, Vegetables, Vegetarian, Side, North American, Lunch, Herbs, Salad, Quick and Easy, Appetizer, Dinner