Ingredients
Scale
One of the joys of preparing this dish is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a side dish that’s both refreshing and memorable. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 medium-sized red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap the white vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter twist, or add a touch of mustard seed for an extra layer of flavor.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the heart of the kitchen, where magic happens with these simple steps:
- Start by peeling the cucumbers if desired, and slice them into thin rounds. I find using a mandolin gives you perfectly even slices, but a sharp knife will do just fine.
- Place the cucumber and onion slices into a large bowl. I remember my mum always saying to layer them gently so the flavors meld beautifully.
- In a small saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, granulated sugar, salt, and pepper. Heat over medium until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved, stirring occasionally. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the warm vinegar mixture over the cucumber and onion slices. Give it a gentle toss to ensure everything is well coated.
- Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it sits, the more intense the flavors become, just like how stories become richer with time.
- Before serving, sprinkle with fresh dill if you’re using it.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
