Lightly pickled cucumbers in mineral water - Image

Lightly pickled cucumbers in mineral water

Number of servings: 4Cooking time: 30 minDifficulty: EasyMeal: Lunch

Lightly salted cucumbers in mineral water are the perfect way to enjoy the refreshing taste of summer. Crispy and full of flavor, they make an excellent appetizer on any table. The main highlight of the recipe is the use of sparkling mineral water, which makes the cucumbers especially firm and juicy. They prepare quickly, and the result exceeds all expectations. This recipe is suitable for quick and easy preparation, as all ingredients can be found at home! Active work time is minimal, making it the ideal choice for busy homemakers. Additional flavor notes can be added using horseradish, cherry, and currant leaves, or try something new by experimenting with hot peppers and bay leaf.

Variations

- Add horseradish, cherry, and currant leaves for a more intense aroma

- You can add hot pepper for a spicy note

- Experiment with bay leaf, black peppercorns, and green apple

Secrets of tenderness and taste

- Choose young fresh cucumbers up to 10 cm in size with nice bumps

- Soak cucumbers in cold water for 20-30 minutes before use

- Cucumbers should be of uniform size for even salting

Ingredient tips

- Use rock table salt, not sea or iodized

- It’s better to choose bottled mineral water for a neutral taste

- Sparkling water gives the maximum crunchy effect

Minor culinary nuances

- Leave at room temperature for 2 hours before refrigerating

- For a saltier taste, increase the salting time in the refrigerator

- Mineral water should be at room temperature when pouring


Ingredients

Prickly Cucumber Ukraine

1 kg

Karpatska Dzherelna Sparkling Mineral Water 1.5l

1 l

NZ Rock Salt 1kg

2 tbsp

Garlic

5 cloves

Auchan Dill Bundle 50g

1 bunch

Preparation steps

01

Selecting and washing cucumbers — Choose young cucumbers up to 10 cm in size, wash under running water. Time: 10 min. Indicator: cucumbers are clean, without dirt and dust.

02

Soaking — Place the cucumbers in a bowl and cover with cold water. Time: 30 min. Indicator: cucumbers have become firm and crispy.

03

Preparing greens — Wash and coarsely chop horseradish, cherry, currant leaves, and dill. Time: 10 min. Indicator: all components are coarsely chopped.

04

Preparing garlic — Peel the garlic and divide into cloves or chop into pieces. Time: 5 min. Indicator: garlic is fully prepared.

05

Trimming cucumbers — Remove cucumbers from water, dry them, and trim ends on both sides. Time: 5 min. Indicator: all cucumbers are evenly trimmed.

06

Laying greens — Place horseradish, cherry, currant leaves, dill, and garlic at the bottom of the container. Time: 5 min. Indicator: the bottom is completely covered with aromatic greens.

07

Salting in mineral water — Place the cucumbers tightly over the herbs in a container, add salt (about 1 tbsp per 1 liter of liquid) and pour in cold sparkling mineral water until fully covered. Cover and leave at room temperature for 6–8 hours, then refrigerate for another 8–12 hours. Time: 12–24 hours. Indicator: cucumbers are flavorful, crisp, and aromatic.

08

Tip After 24 hours of cooling, the lightly salted cucumbers are fully ready. They perfectly complement any lunch or dinner and make an excellent addition to young potatoes and fresh bread.