Refreshing Polish Cucumber Salad with Dill (Mizeria)
This delightful Polish cucumber salad, known as Mizeria, is a wonderfully refreshing side dish that brightens any meal, especially during the sweltering summer months. It combines crisp cucumbers with creamy sour cream, tangy cider vinegar, and fragrant dill, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. While Polish cuisine can often be rich and hearty, this salad offers a light and healthy alternative. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make, bringing a touch of Eastern European charm to your table without any hassle. For a twist on the traditional flavor, you can swap lemon juice for vinegar or use dried dill if fresh isn't available.
5
Servings
36
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
cucumbers
3 medium (peeled and thinly sliced)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon
sour cream
1 cup
cider vinegar
1 tablespoon
fresh dill
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling the cucumbers and slicing them thinly. Place them into a medium-sized bowl.
2
Sprinkle the salt evenly over the cucumber slices. Mix gently to ensure the salt is evenly distributed.
3
Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This will allow the cucumbers to release their juices and become tender.
4
After an hour, drain the excess liquid from the cucumbers to avoid a watery salad.
5
In a separate small bowl, mix together the sour cream, cider vinegar, freshly chopped dill, and pepper until well combined.
6
Add the sour cream mixture to the drained cucumbers. Gently fold them together until the cucumbers are well-coated.
7
Cover and refrigerate the salad until you are ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled for the best taste experience.
Nutrition Information
2.6g
Fat
3g
Carbs
0.6g
Protein
0.4g
Fiber
190mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mizeria?
Mizeria is a refreshing Polish cucumber salad traditionally made with sour cream and dill.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 5 servings.
What are the main ingredients in Polish Cucumber Salad?
The main ingredients include medium cucumbers, salt, black pepper, sour cream, cider vinegar, and fresh dill.
Do I need to peel the cucumbers?
Yes, the cucumbers should be peeled and then thinly sliced.
Why do I need to salt the cucumbers before mixing?
Salting allows the cucumbers to release excess moisture and become more tender.
How long should the cucumbers sit with salt?
The cucumbers should be refrigerated for at least one hour after salting.
Should I drain the liquid from the cucumbers?
Yes, you must drain the excess liquid after an hour to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
What type of vinegar is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for one tablespoon of cider vinegar.
Can I use lemon juice instead of vinegar?
Yes, for a twist on the traditional flavor, you can swap the vinegar for lemon juice.
Can I use dried dill if I don't have fresh?
Yes, dried dill can be used as a substitute if fresh dill is unavailable.
Is Mizeria a healthy dish?
Yes, it is considered a light and healthy alternative to many rich and hearty Polish dishes.
How many calories are in one serving of Mizeria?
Each serving contains approximately 36 calories.
How much fat is in this cucumber salad?
There are 2.6 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this salad?
Each serving contains 3 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in a serving?
There is 0.6 grams of protein per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, there is 0.4 grams of fiber per serving.
What is the sodium content?
One serving contains 190mg of sodium.
How should this salad be served?
It should be served chilled for the best taste experience.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the salad again after mixing?
Yes, refrigerating the mixed salad allows the flavors to meld together properly.
What is the best time of year to serve Mizeria?
It is a perfect side dish for the sweltering summer months due to its refreshing nature.
How many cucumbers are needed?
You will need 3 medium cucumbers.
How much sour cream is used?
The recipe requires 1 cup of sour cream.
What kind of pepper is recommended?
The recipe uses 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is described as incredibly easy to make with minimal hassle.
What category of food does this fall into?
It is categorized as a vegetable side dish or summer salad.
How much fresh dill is required?
You need 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped dill.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, the refrigeration steps make it ideal for preparing at least an hour before serving.
What is the texture of the cucumbers in this salad?
The cucumbers remain crisp but become slightly tenderized by the salt and dressing.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional data indicates no sugar is added to this recipe.