Refreshing Cucumber Yogurt Salad
This Refreshing Cucumber Yogurt Salad, also known as Jajeek in Middle Eastern cuisine, is a delightful and healthy addition to any meal. A popular dish in various regions, especially in Mediterranean and Arabian-influenced African countries like Sudan, where it's referred to as Salatet Zabady bil Ajur, this salad offers a harmonious blend of tangy yogurt, crisp cucumbers, and aromatic garlic. The optional touch of mint elevates the flavor profile, making it a versatile side dish that pairs exceptionally well with hot rice dishes. Perfect as a mezza, this salad is not only delicious but also a cooling accompaniment that complements the spices and heat of main dishes while being easy and quick to prepare. Serve chilled for the best taste experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
plain Balkan yogurt
1 cup (thick yogurt, stirred until creamy)
cucumber
1 cup (finely diced)
garlic clove
1 (minced and crushed)
sea salt
to taste (as needed)
fresh mint
1 tablespoon (finely chopped (optional))
dried mint
1 1/2 teaspoons (crushed (optional))
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, stir the plain Balkan yogurt until it reaches a creamy consistency.
2
Add the finely diced cucumber, minced garlic, and sea salt to the bowl. If using, include the finely chopped fresh mint or dried mint.
3
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly to combine. Adjust salt and mint to suit your taste preferences.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
5
Be careful not to refrigerate for too long; serve chilled to maintain the cucumber's crispness.
6
Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy your refreshing salad as a side or mezza!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Refreshing Cucumber Yogurt Salad?
Refreshing Cucumber Yogurt Salad is a healthy, tangy dish made from yogurt, crisp cucumbers, and garlic, commonly known as Jajeek in Middle Eastern cuisine.
What are other names for this salad?
In addition to Jajeek, it is known as Salatet Zabady bil Ajur in Arabian-influenced African countries like Sudan.
What type of yogurt is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for plain Balkan yogurt, which is a thick yogurt that should be stirred until it reaches a creamy consistency.
How should the cucumber be prepared?
The cucumber should be finely diced to ensure a consistent texture throughout the salad.
Is the garlic minced or crushed?
The garlic clove should be both minced and crushed to properly release its aromatic flavor into the yogurt base.
Can I use dried mint if I do not have fresh mint?
Yes, you can use either one tablespoon of finely chopped fresh mint or 1 1/2 teaspoons of crushed dried mint.
Is mint a required ingredient?
No, mint is an optional touch that elevates the flavor profile but can be omitted based on personal preference.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
The salad should be refrigerated for approximately 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Why shouldn't I refrigerate the salad for too long?
Refrigerating for too long may cause the cucumbers to lose their crispness; it is best served shortly after the initial chilling period.
What dishes pair well with this salad?
It pairs exceptionally well with hot rice dishes and works perfectly as a cooling accompaniment to spicy main courses.
Can this be served as a mezza?
Yes, this cucumber yogurt salad is perfect for serving as a mezza or a versatile side dish.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy addition to any meal, featuring fresh ingredients like yogurt and vegetables.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients, including the optional mint varieties and salt.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
The recipe is tagged as 'vegan optional,' meaning you can use a plant-based yogurt alternative to make it vegan-friendly.
What kind of salt is best for this salad?
The recipe recommends using sea salt, adjusted to suit your personal taste preferences.
What regions is this dish popular in?
It is popular in Mediterranean and Arabian-influenced African countries, specifically Sudan.
What is the first step in preparing the salad?
The first step is to stir the plain Balkan yogurt in a mixing bowl until it reaches a creamy consistency.
Should the salad be served warm or cold?
The salad should always be served chilled for the best taste experience.
How do I adjust the flavor of the salad?
You can adjust the salt and the amount of mint during the mixing process to suit your specific taste.
Is the salad spicy?
No, the salad itself is cooling and aromatic, though it is often served to balance out the heat of spicy main dishes.
What is the texture of the finished salad?
The salad has a creamy base from the yogurt contrasted with the crisp texture of the diced cucumbers.
Do I need any special equipment?
No special equipment is needed, just a mixing bowl, a knife for dicing, and plastic wrap or a lid for the bowl.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of Balkan yogurt?
While the recipe calls for Balkan yogurt, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute, though you may need to adjust the consistency.
How much yogurt is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of plain Balkan yogurt.
How much cucumber is required?
You will need 1 cup of finely diced cucumber.
Is this recipe quick to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy and quick dish to prepare, requiring only minimal assembly and a short chilling time.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The flavor is a harmonious blend of tangy yogurt, fresh cucumber, and savory garlic.
Can I add extra garlic?
The recipe calls for one clove, but you can adjust the amount of garlic based on how pungent you want the salad to be.
Should the cucumber be peeled?
The recipe does not specify peeling, so it depends on preference; however, keeping the skin on often adds more color and texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator, though it is best enjoyed shortly after preparation for maximum freshness.