Smacked Cucumbers

FLKeysJen's Note:

A common appetizer in the Hunan province of China, smacked cucumbers got their name because of the way you whack the cucumbers with the flat of a cleaver blade to encourage them to absorb the flavors of the dressing. From the Revolutionary Chinese Cookbook.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 (13 ounce) cucumbers
• salt

Version 1

• 2 teaspoons salted chilies, chopped
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 -3 pinches sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• chili oil

Version 2

• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil
• 1 teaspoon dried chili pepper flakes

Directions:

1. Place the cucumber on a cutting board and whack hard, several times, with the flat of a cleaver blade, so the vegetable splinters and opens up with jagged cracks, then chop it into bite-size pieces.
2. Place in a bowl; sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and leave about 30 minutes.
3. When the time is up, drain off the water in the bowl.
4. To make Version 1, add the chopped salted chiles, garlic, vinegar, sugar and salt to taste; mix well and leave for a few minutes to let the flavors blend. Just before serving, add the sesame oil and chili oil to taste; toss and serve.
5. To make Version 2, add the garlic and vinegar to the cucumber with more salt to taste, mix well and set aside for a few minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate. Heat the oil in a wok over a high flame until smoking. Scatter the chili flakes over the cucumber, then sprinkle the hot oil over, which will sizzle; mix well and serve.

Reviews

[lazyme]

I have to admit that I tried to 'smack' a poor cucumber to death with a cleaver and all that happened was that I made a lot of noise and the cutting board scooted across the counter. I finally grabbed a meat mallet and voila! That smacked the poor cucumber to pieces. I made version 2 and we really enjoyed it. I added a little more chili flakes as we enjoy the spice. I can also see a little minced ginger in this too. Thanks Jen for a great, refreshing side dish - and one that allowed me to vent my frustrations on a poor innocent cucumber!

[Chef #670329]

These are sooooo delicious with steamed pork belly and coriander salad!!!!!!