Description
Creamy Pennsylvania Dutch Cucumbers showcase traditional Amish culinary simplicity with crisp cucumber slices bathed in a tangy sour cream dressing. Cool cucumber salad lovers will appreciate this refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with hearty summer meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cucumbers (large)
- ½ onion (small, white or yellow)
- ½ cup (120 ml) white vinegar
- ¼ cup (60 ml) water
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp celery seed or fresh dill (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Peel cucumbers into thin, translucent slices using a sharp vegetable peeler, ensuring crisp and firm texture for maximum marinade absorption.
- Onion Processing: Slice onions into delicate, uniform semi-transparent rings or half-moons to guarantee consistent flavor distribution throughout the salad.
- Vegetable Combination: Gently mix cucumber and onion slices in a spacious mixing bowl, carefully separating layers to prevent clumping and ensure even coating.
- Dressing Creation: Whisk white vinegar with water, incorporating sugar, salt, and black pepper to craft a balanced, tangy liquid that will elevate the salad’s flavor profile.
- Flavor Enhancement: Integrate optional aromatic elements like celery seed or dried dill to amplify the traditional Pennsylvania Dutch essence, stirring until sugar completely dissolves.
- Marination Process: Drench vegetables with prepared dressing, using a soft spatula to fold and coat each slice thoroughly, ensuring comprehensive flavor integration.
- Chilling and Resting: Seal container with a tight lid, refrigerate for at least one hour to allow ingredients to marinate and develop a harmonious taste, creating a refreshing and crisp side dish.
Notes
- Cucumber Crispness Check: Select firm, unblemished cucumbers without soft spots to maintain the salad’s signature crunch and fresh texture.
- Slice with Precision: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to create uniform, thin cucumber and onion slices, ensuring even marination and consistent flavor in every bite.
- Marination Magic: Allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, but avoid exceeding 24 hours to prevent cucumbers from becoming too watery or losing their crisp texture.
- Flavor Flexibility: Experiment with alternative vinegars like apple cider or rice vinegar for a subtle twist, and consider adding fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley for an extra layer of freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg