Curried Creamy Cucumber Delight
Experience a refreshing twist on a classic with this Curried Creamy Cucumber Delight. Drawing inspiration from the culinary finesse of Joël Robuchon as presented by Patricia Wells in 'Simply French', this salad combines the cool crunch of cucumbers with a luscious, spiced yogurt and cream dressing. Each bite offers a balanced medley of rich creaminess and aromatic curry, making it an ideal side dish or light lunch option perfect for warm days and gatherings.
4-6
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crème fraîche or Heavy Cream
2 tablespoons (Choose either crème fraîche for tanginess or heavy cream for richness.)
Plain Yogurt
3 tablespoons (Use regular or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.)
Curry Powder
to taste (Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust according to preference.)
Sea Salt
to taste (Adjust according to personal preference.)
Seedless European Cucumber or Hothouse Cucumber
1 (Peeled and thinly sliced.)
Instructions
1
Prepare the dressing by combining the crème fraîche, yogurt, curry powder, and a pinch of sea salt in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and well blended. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more curry powder or salt if necessary.
2
In a shallow serving bowl, layer the sliced cucumbers evenly across the base. Drizzle the curried dressing over the cucumbers.
3
Gently toss the cucumbers to ensure they are evenly coated with the dressing.
4
Serve immediately for optimal freshness, allowing the vibrant flavors to shine. If not serving immediately, consider refrigerating the dressing separately and tossing just before serving to prevent the cucumbers from becoming watery.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Curried Creamy Cucumber Delight?
It is a refreshing salad that features cool cucumber slices tossed in a luscious dressing of yogurt, cream, and aromatic curry powder.
Who is the culinary inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe draws inspiration from the culinary techniques of Joël Robuchon, as documented by Patricia Wells in 'Simply French'.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This cucumber salad is designed to provide 4 to 6 servings.
What are the main ingredients required?
The main ingredients are seedless European or hothouse cucumbers, crème fraîche or heavy cream, plain yogurt, curry powder, and sea salt.
Can I substitute crème fraîche with something else?
Yes, you can use heavy cream for a richer flavor instead of the tangier crème fraîche.
What kind of yogurt should I use?
You can use regular plain yogurt or Greek yogurt for a thicker, creamier texture.
How much curry powder should I add?
The recipe recommends starting with 1 teaspoon and adjusting to your personal taste preference.
Is it necessary to peel the cucumbers?
Yes, the instructions suggest peeling the cucumbers before thinly slicing them.
What type of cucumber works best for this salad?
Seedless European or Hothouse cucumbers are ideal because they have a great crunch and fewer seeds.
How do I prepare the dressing?
Whisk the crème fraîche, yogurt, curry powder, and sea salt in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth.
How should the salad be assembled?
Layer the sliced cucumbers in a shallow bowl, drizzle with the prepared dressing, and toss gently to coat.
Can I make this dish in advance?
While it is best served immediately, you can refrigerate the dressing separately and toss it with the cucumbers right before serving.
How do I keep the cucumbers from getting watery?
To avoid wateriness, do not toss the cucumbers in the dressing until you are ready to serve the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly side dish.
What is the flavor profile of this salad?
It offers a balance of cool, refreshing cucumber crunch and a rich, creamy, and aromatic spiced dressing.
Is this recipe considered a French dish?
Yes, it is based on French culinary influences and specifically the style of Joël Robuchon.
Can I use regular table salt?
The recipe calls for sea salt, but you can use table salt if needed; just adjust to your taste.
Is there any cooking involved?
No, this is a completely no-cook recipe that involves only whisking and slicing.
What makes this salad 'delightful'?
The unique combination of curry spices with the creaminess of yogurt and the freshness of cucumber creates a delightful contrast.
What kind of bowl is best for serving?
A shallow serving bowl is recommended to allow the cucumber layers to be evenly coated by the dressing.
Can I add more spices to the dressing?
The recipe focuses on curry powder, but you can certainly adjust the amount to increase the intensity of the flavor.
How should the cucumbers be sliced?
The cucumbers should be thinly sliced for the best texture and distribution of the dressing.
Is this a good dish for summer gatherings?
Yes, its refreshing nature makes it an excellent choice for warm weather and outdoor parties.
How many total ingredients are used?
This recipe is simple and uses only 5 ingredients in total.
Does the dressing need time to chill?
While not required, chilling the dressing separately can help keep the salad even more refreshing when served.
Can I use garden cucumbers from my backyard?
Yes, though you may want to remove larger seeds if using standard garden cucumbers rather than hothouse varieties.
What is the role of sea salt in this recipe?
Sea salt enhances the flavors of the curry and helps balance the richness of the cream and yogurt.
Is the dressing very thick?
The dressing is luscious and creamy, especially if using crème fraîche or Greek yogurt.
Can this salad be served as a main course?
It is primarily intended as a side dish or a light lunch option.
What is the best way to ensure even coating?
Gently toss the cucumbers after drizzling the dressing to make sure every slice is covered.