Smashed Cucumber Salad

 With hot summer days approaching, I like the cool and refreshing taste of cucumbers.  Biting into a slice of cucumber refreshes me instantly. There is truth to the saying 'cool as a cucumber.'  Cucumbers are easy to grow, can be found a your local market and farmers markets. 

 In this recipe, the cucumbers are smashed -  a Chinese technique which releases the seeds.  The cucumbers are cut into chunks and sprinkled with salt and sugar.  The cucumbers then rest for 20minutes. They are then tossed with a flavorful vingerarette and refrigerated.  

I like this technique of smashing the cucumbers because the dressing get into the cracks of the cucumbers.  This adds a wonderful flavor to the cucumbers. When you serve the salad, a tasty and refreshing dish awaits you.

Smashed Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

2 medium English cucumbers

1/2  teaspoon salt 

1 teaspoon sugar 

2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar 

2 teaspoons soy sauce 

1 teaspoon sesame oil 

1 small clove garlic, finely grated 

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

1. Quarter the cucumbers lengthwise. Put the slices on a cutting board, skin-side-up. Use the flat side of your knife to lightly smash along the length, then cut the cucumbers into 3/4-inch pieces. Toss the cucumbers with 1/2 teaspoon each  salt and sugar, then drain in a colander for 20 minutes.

2. Whisk together the vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic and remaining 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Add the cucumbers and toss to coat. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper, if using.  Refridgerate for 4 hours  before serving.

Serves 4

Easy Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken s a favorite dish eat my house. I must admit, I didn't try to make buttered Chicken until recently.  I y tried this recipe and was pleasantly surprised.  It  is easy to make and the taste is delicious.  I regretted that I didn't make the recipe sooner.  

I found this recipe on the Tasty website.  This recipe was easy to follow and the dish came together easily.   The dish was better than any take out we had tried.  The chicken was tender and flavorful and the sauce had some spice to it.  If the dish is too spicy for your taste, reduce the cayenne pepper.  Overall, this is a delicious dinner which is easy to prepare and doesn't take a lot of prep time.  My family enjoyed this dish and I will be making it again.  

Butter Chicken

From Tasty

Ingredients

for 4 servings

• 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 2 teaspoons chili powder, divided
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• 6 tablespoons butter, divided 
• 1 ½ cups yellow onion, diced
• 3 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cinnamon, 3 inch (8 cm) stick
• 14 oz tomato sauce
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• rice, for serving
• fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and the teaspoon of turmeric. Let sit for 15 minutes to marinate.
2. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the chicken, then remove from the pot.
3. Melt another 2 tablespoons of butter in the pot, then add the onion, garam masala, remaining teaspoon of chili powder, the cumin, ginger, garlic, cayenne, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Cook until fragrant.
4. Add the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer.
5. Add the water and cream and return to a simmer.
6. Return the chicken to the pot, cover, and simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
7. Stir in the last 2 tablespoons of butter and season with more salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve the chicken over rice and garnish with cilantro.
9. Enjoy!