Smashed Cucumber with Garlic & Sesame
Cucumbers cracked open with the flat of a knife so the dressing gets inside them rather than sliding off.
Why it works
A smashed cucumber has torn, ragged faces instead of smooth cut ones, and that rough surface holds several times more dressing than a neat slice does. Salting the pieces for five minutes pulls out the water that would otherwise dilute the vinegar, which is why the bowl stays sharp rather than turning into a puddle.
Method
- Lay a cucumber on a board, put the flat of a large knife over it and press down with your palm until it splits along its length. Repeat with the second one, then tear or cut the pieces into rough 3 cm (1¼ in) chunks.
- Toss the chunks with the salt in a colander set over a bowl and leave them 5 minutes — long enough to lay the table or check on whatever is in the oven. A good tablespoon of water will run out.
- Meanwhile stir the garlic, vinegar, soy, sesame oil and sugar together in the serving bowl until the sugar has dissolved.
- Shake the cucumbers dry, tip them into the dressing and turn them through. Scatter with the sesame seeds and chilli flakes and serve within the hour, while the torn edges are still crisp.
For the toddler
Set aside a few pieces of cucumber before the salting at step 2. Dress theirs with a little rice vinegar and a drop of sesame oil, and leave out the soy, the raw garlic and the chilli flakes. Cut those pieces into finger-length strips rather than round chunks, and crush the sesame seeds between your fingers if you scatter any over. A quarter of an adult bowl.
How the toddler notes workChef’s notes
Small, very fresh courgettes work raw in exactly the same way. Chinese black vinegar in place of rice vinegar gives a deeper, maltier bowl.
Skip the salting and drain the cucumbers well instead. You lose a little punch and gain five minutes.
Anything rich and roasted — pork belly, five-spice chicken, or a bowl of dan dan noodles.
Best the day it is made. By day two the cucumber has softened, though the liquid left behind is worth drinking.