Cucumber & fennel salad
Ingredients
- 1 large Cucumber
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1 sliced Fennel Bulb
- 150ml Sour Cream
- Juice of 1 Lemon
- 1 tablespoon White Wine Vinegar
- Bunch Dill
Instructions
- Place the sliced cucumber in a sieve set over a bowl. Sprinkle with the salt and sugar, mix gently and leave for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Add the sliced fennel and combine lightly.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the sour cream, lemon juice, white wine vinegar and finely chopped dill. Season with black pepper and stir until smooth.
- Add the dressing to the cucumber and fennel mixture and toss gently until evenly coated. Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving.
Tips
- Use a mandoline to slice the cucumber and fennel paper-thin for the most delicate and professional texture.
- Soak the fennel slices in ice water for 10 minutes to make them extra crisp and refreshing.
- Toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to prevent the cucumbers from releasing too much water and becoming soggy.
Variations
- Apple Crunch: Add thinly sliced Granny Smith apples for a sweet and tart contrast to the anise flavor.
- Creamy Dressing: Replace the vinaigrette with a yogurt, dill, and lemon juice dressing.
Storage
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a refreshing side dish for grilled salmon or sea bass.
- Add some crumbled feta cheese and toasted walnuts on top for a more substantial salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to peel the cucumber?
Is fennel very strong?
What can I do with the fennel fronds?
instructions_source: editorial-classic