Varga Family Cucumber Delight
Dive into the refreshing taste of Grandma Varga's Hungarian Cucumber Salad, a cherished recipe passed down through generations. Originating from the picturesque village of Nagyszentmiklos, this cucumber salad is the epitome of summer flavors, bringing the essence of Hungary to your table. The crispness of fresh cucumbers, combined with the fragrant dill and creamy dressing, creates a dish that is not only a perfect side to hearty mains like chicken paprikas but also a delightful snack on its own. This salad is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients that will quickly become your go-to recipe for any occasion.
8
Servings
37.5
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cucumbers
8 (medium or 15 Kirby, peeled and thinly sliced)
Fresh Dill
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
Kosher Salt
1/4 cup (for salting cucumbers)
Sour Cream
1/2 pint (for dressing)
White Vinegar
2 tablespoons (for dressing)
Garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Hungarian Paprika
1 teaspoon (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling the cucumbers. Using a mandolin or sharp knife, slice them very thinly to maximize flavor absorption.
2
In a colander, layer the sliced cucumbers. Begin with a small layer and sprinkle a little kosher salt over them. Repeat this process until all the cucumbers and salt are used, ensuring an even distribution.
3
Place a plate over the cucumbers in the colander, and weigh it down with a heavy object to press out their moisture further. Be sure to position the colander over a large bowl to collect the excess liquid.
4
Allow the cucumbers to sit for one hour. This crucial step will help them become crisp and flavorful.
5
While the cucumbers are draining, finely chop the fresh dill and mince the garlic. Set aside for later.
6
After an hour, take a handful of cucumbers and gently squeeze out as much liquid as you can. Repeat until all cucumber slices have been processed.
7
Rinse the squeezed cucumbers thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt. Drain well.
8
Return the drained cucumbers to the colander and weigh them down again for about 15 minutes to ensure they're as dry as possible.
9
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumbers, minced garlic, chopped dill, sour cream, and white vinegar. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated.
10
Transfer the salad to a beautiful serving dish and sprinkle with Hungarian paprika for a touch of color and flavor.
11
For the best taste, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving.
12
Enjoy this delightful salad as a refreshing side or light meal.
Nutrition Information
2.25g
Fat
3.75g
Carbs
0.75g
Protein
187.5mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Varga Family Cucumber Delight?
Varga Family Cucumber Delight is a traditional Hungarian Cucumber Salad, also known as Uborkasalata, passed down through generations from Grandma Varga.
What is the origin of this cucumber salad recipe?
This recipe originates from the picturesque village of Nagyszentmiklos in Hungary.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in Varga Family Cucumber Delight?
The main ingredients include cucumbers, fresh dill, kosher salt, sour cream, white vinegar, garlic, and Hungarian paprika.
What type and how many cucumbers should I use?
You should use either 8 medium cucumbers or 15 Kirby cucumbers.
Should the cucumbers be peeled for this salad?
Yes, the instructions specify to begin by peeling the cucumbers before slicing.
How thin should the cucumber slices be?
The cucumbers should be sliced very thinly using a mandolin or a sharp knife to maximize flavor absorption.
Why is salt used in the preparation of the cucumbers?
Kosher salt is layered with the cucumbers to draw out excess moisture and help them become crisp and flavorful.
How long should the cucumbers sit with the salt?
The cucumbers should sit weighted down in a colander for one hour to drain.
Do I need to rinse the cucumbers after salting them?
Yes, after squeezing out the liquid, you must rinse the cucumbers thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt.
What is the purpose of weighing down the cucumbers twice?
The first time is to press out moisture for an hour; the second 15-minute press after rinsing ensures they are as dry as possible for the dressing.
What kind of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of white vinegar.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 cloves of minced garlic.
What type of paprika is used for the garnish?
Authentic Hungarian paprika is used to sprinkle over the finished salad for color and flavor.
How long should the salad be chilled before serving?
For the best taste, it is recommended to chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least two hours.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 37.5 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 2.25 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 3.75 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
This salad provides 0.75 grams of protein per serving.
What is the sodium content per serving?
The sodium content is 187.5mg per serving.
Is this cucumber salad considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy side dish with low calories.
What dishes pair well with Hungarian Cucumber Salad?
It is an ideal side dish for hearty mains such as chicken paprikas.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh dill for the best flavor.
What is the Hungarian name for this dish?
The traditional Hungarian name is Uborkasalata.
How much sour cream is needed?
You will need 1/2 pint of sour cream for the dressing.
Is this recipe considered a quick prep dish?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe, though it does require time for draining and chilling.
What is the texture of the salad?
The salad features crisp cucumber slices in a creamy, fragrant dressing.
Can this salad be eaten as a snack?
Yes, while it is a perfect side dish, it is also described as a delightful snack on its own.
What tool is best for slicing the cucumbers?
A mandolin is recommended for achieving the necessary thinness of the cucumber slices.
What are the main tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include Hungarian, cucumber salad, uborkasalata, refreshing, side dish, and grandmother's recipe.