Original video by @feelgoodfoodie — all credit to the creator.

Mediterranean Smashed Cucumber Salad

Name: Mediterranean Smashed Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 English cucumbers; 2 teaspoons salt (plus more as needed); 1 small shallot (minced); 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 3 tablespoons olive oil; ½ teaspoon dried mint; ½ teaspoon sumac; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Smashed cucumbers soak up a bright lemon-sumac dressing far better than neat slices ever could, giving you craggy edges that hold onto every drop. Crumbled feta and toasted sesame seeds cling to the crunchy pieces instead of sinking to the bottom of the bowl.

⏱ 40 minMediterraneansmashed cucumbersaladno-cookmediterraneanfeta

Ingredients

2English cucumbers
2 teaspoonssalt · plus more as needed
1small shallot · minced
3 tablespoonslemon juice
3 tablespoonsolive oil
½ teaspoondried mint
½ teaspoonsumac
½ teaspoonblack pepper
2 tablespoonscrumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoonstoasted sesame seeds

Steps

1
Place the cucumbers on a cutting board and use a meat mallet or heavy flat object to pound them until they smash and flatten slightly.
2
Slice each cucumber in half lengthwise, then cut into 1½-inch thick slices and pound again.
3
Transfer the smashed cucumbers to a strainer set over a bowl. Sprinkle with the salt and mix until well combined. Let sit for 30 minutes to allow the liquid to drain.
4
Meanwhile, make the dressing by whisking together the shallot, lemon juice, olive oil, dried mint, sumac, and black pepper in a serving bowl.
5
Use a paper towel to dab the cucumber dry, then transfer it on top of the dressing.
6
Sprinkle the feta cheese and toasted sesame seeds over the top and serve.

Creator's notes

Smashing cucumbers is an ancient Chinese technique that creates varied textures and surfaces so the dressing absorbs better. The dressing, feta, and sesame seeds cling to the cucumbers instead of sinking to the bottom of the bowl.

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