Creamy Hungarian Cucumber Salad with Garlic and Paprika
Experience the refreshing taste of this Creamy Hungarian Cucumber Salad, a traditional side dish infused with the zesty flavors of garlic and vinegar. The crisp cucumbers are blended with a rich sour cream dressing, enhanced by a touch of sugar and seasoned with a hint of salt and paprika. This delightful salad is perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish with any main course. Serve it well chilled to enjoy the perfect contrast of creamy and crunchy textures. Try it and relish the authentic taste of Hungary!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cucumbers
4 (Peeled and sliced thinly)
Garlic
1 clove (Peeled and minced)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (Granulated)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (Sea salt or table salt)
Vinegar
1/4 cup (White or apple cider vinegar)
Sour Cream
3/4 cup (Plain, full-fat or low-fat)
Paprika
to taste (For garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling the cucumbers and then use a fork to drag the tines down the length of each cucumber to create nice grooves.
2
Slice the cucumbers very thinly and place them in a mixing bowl.
3
Peel and mince the garlic clove, then add it to the sliced cucumbers.
4
Sprinkle in the sugar and salt, allowing the flavors to meld.
5
In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream and vinegar, stirring until well blended.
6
Pour the sour cream mixture over the cucumbers and use your hands to toss gently, ensuring all cucumber slices are coated in the creamy dressing and the mixture becomes frothy.
7
Transfer the salad to a serving dish, and for an eye-catching finish, sprinkle paprika on top as a garnish.
8
For the best flavor, serve the salad well chilled.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Hungarian Cucumber Salad?
It is a traditional Hungarian side dish made with crisp cucumbers, a zesty garlic and vinegar dressing, and a rich sour cream base, typically garnished with paprika.
How many cucumbers do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 cucumbers, which should be peeled and sliced thinly.
Should the cucumbers be peeled?
Yes, the instructions recommend peeling the cucumbers before slicing them.
Why should I use a fork on the cucumbers?
Dragging fork tines down the length of the peeled cucumber creates grooves that add a nice visual texture once the cucumbers are sliced.
What type of dressing is used in this salad?
The dressing is a creamy blend of sour cream, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt.
Can I use low-fat sour cream?
Yes, you can use either plain full-fat or low-fat sour cream for the dressing.
What kind of vinegar is best for Hungarian Cucumber Salad?
The recipe suggests using either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 1 clove of garlic, which should be peeled and minced.
Is there sugar in this cucumber salad?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar is added to help balance the vinegar and meld the flavors.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 4 servings.
How do I make the dressing frothy?
The dressing becomes frothy when you use your hands to gently toss the cucumbers with the sour cream mixture.
Should this salad be served warm or cold?
This salad should be served well chilled for the best flavor and texture contrast.
What is used as a garnish?
Paprika is sprinkled on top as an eye-catching finish and garnish.
How thinly should the cucumbers be sliced?
The recipe specifies that the cucumbers should be sliced very thinly.
What occasions is this salad good for?
It is perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish for any main course.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It features a refreshing taste with zesty garlic, tangy vinegar, and a creamy, slightly sweet finish.
How many ingredients are in the salad?
There are 7 main ingredients: cucumbers, garlic, sugar, salt, vinegar, sour cream, and paprika.
What type of salt should I use?
You can use either sea salt or standard table salt.
Is this a vegetable-based dish?
Yes, it is categorized as a Vegetable dish and a vegetable salad.
Does the recipe require cooking?
No, this is a no-cook recipe that involves only peeling, slicing, and mixing.
Can I use a different vegetable besides cucumber?
This specific recipe is a cucumber salad, though the creamy dressing style is traditional for this vegetable in Hungary.
How is the garlic prepared?
The garlic clove should be peeled and finely minced before being added to the cucumbers.
Is the paprika spicy?
The recipe uses paprika for garnish to taste; typically, Hungarian paprika provides color and mild flavor rather than intense heat.
Is this salad crunchy?
Yes, it provides a perfect contrast of creamy dressing and crunchy cucumber textures.
Can this be considered a healthy side dish?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy side dish, especially if using low-fat sour cream.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Absolutely, it is tagged as an easy recipe with straightforward preparation steps.
What is the texture of the dressing?
The dressing is rich and creamy, becoming slightly frothy when tossed with the cucumbers.
Is this a traditional Hungarian recipe?
Yes, it is described as an authentic taste of Hungary and a traditional Hungarian side dish.
Should I mix the sour cream and vinegar separately?
Yes, the instructions suggest combining the sour cream and vinegar in a separate bowl before pouring them over the cucumbers.
How long should the flavors meld?
The recipe suggests sprinkling sugar and salt on the cucumbers and allowing the flavors to meld before adding the creamy dressing.