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Cooking with cucumbers: 5 delicious dishes

Cucumbers are perhaps one of the most underrated vegetables in the kitchen. Although they are often associated with salads and summer side dishes, the possibilities with cucumbers are surprisingly versatile. From fresh salads to savoury hot dishes, cucumbers add a crunchy texture and refreshing flavour to a wide range of dishes. In this article, I share five unique recipes with cucumbers that will inspire you to experiment more with this vegetable.

Cucumber soup with yoghurt and mint


Cucumber soup is a classic in hot summers, but with a twist of yoghurt and mint, this dish takes on a fresh, creamy flavour that is perfect as an appetiser or light lunch.

Ingredients
  • 2 large cucumbers, peeled and diced
  • 300 ml Greek yoghurt
  • 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
  • Handful of fresh mint leaves
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  • Puree the cucumbers in a blender until smooth.
  • Add the yoghurt, garlic, mint leaves and lemon juice.
  • Season with salt and pepper and blend until everything is well blended.
  • Put the soup in the fridge for an hour so it is nice and cold.
  • Serve with a sprig of mint and a dash of olive oil on top.

Roasted cucumber with herbs and feta cheese


You might not expect it, but cucumbers can be fantastically roasted. By lightly grilling the cucumbers, you get a surprisingly deep flavour that pairs wonderfully with savoury feta and fresh herbs. (Photo: Elle.com)

Ingredients
  • 2 cucumbers, cut lengthwise in half
  • 100 g feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  • Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the halved cucumbers on a baking tray and brush with olive oil.
  • Sprinkle with salt, pepper and oregano.
  • Roast the cucumbers in the oven for 15-20 minutes until light golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and drizzle with lemon juice. Sprinkle with feta and parsley before serving.

Asian cucumber salad with sesame and soy sauce


This quick and easy Asian cucumber salad is deliciously fresh and crunchy, with a slightly tangy and salty flavour thanks to the addition of sesame oil and soy sauce.

Ingredients
  • 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp chilli flakes
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
  • In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar and chilli flakes to make a dressing.
  • Add the thinly sliced cucumber and mix well.
  • Sprinkle the salad with sesame seeds.
  • Let the salad soak for 10-15 minutes before serving so that the flavours blend well.

Stuffed cucumbers with tuna salad


For a light and responsible snack or lunch, stuffed cucumbers are an excellent choice. The freshness of the cucumber goes perfectly with the creamy tuna salad.

Ingredients
  • 2 large cucumbers
  • 1 can of tuna in water, drained
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise or Greek yoghurt
  • 1 tbsp capers, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp mustard
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  • Cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds with a spoon to make a ‘bowl’.
  • In a bowl, mix the tuna, mayonnaise, capers, mustard and lemon juice.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Fill the cucumber halves with the tuna salad.
  • Garnish with extra capers and a sprig of dill or parsley.

Cucumber smoothie with avocado and lime


Who says cucumbers are only for savoury dishes? This smoothie is a great way to start your day. The cucumber and avocado give a creamy, refreshing texture, while lime provides a fresh kick.

Ingredients
  • 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
  • 1 avocado, peeled and deseeded
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 200 ml coconut water or plain water
  • Handful of spinach (optional)
  • 1 tbsp honey (optional)
Instructions
  • Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
  • Voeg indien nodig wat extra water toe om de gewenste consistentie te bereiken.
  • Serve cold and enjoy the freshness!

Cucumbers are incredibly versatile and can play a surprising starring role in both cold and hot dishes. Whether you are looking for a light meal, a refreshing snack or a creative addition to your dinner, cucumbers offer endless possibilities.

These five dishes with cucumbers show how you can use cucumbers in a simple but tasty way in different cuisines and dishes. Try them all and discover how delicious cooking with cucumbers can be!