September - Citrus Soy Cucumbers
Ingredients:
1 Large cucumber (sliced very thin)
1 1/2 tbsp Yuzu ponzu*
1/2 tbsp Sesame oil
1/2 tbsp Reduced sodium soy sauce
1/2 tbsp Rice vinegar
1 tbsp Cilantro (roughly chopped)
1/2 tbsp Sesame seeds
1/4 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes
*Yuzu is a Japanese citrus fruit that is used in much the same way as lemons. Its flavor is tart and closely resembles that of grapefruit with a kind of mandarin orange overtone. Ponzu is a citrus & soy based sauce that is sweet & umami-rich. You more often find a lemon or lime ponzu at your average supermarket here. The last time I was specifically looking for the yuzu ponzu though, I found it at the La Mesa Sprouts location.
Method:
Slice your clean cucumber into very thin disks (I leave the skin on, but you can peel it if you prefer).
In a separate bowl whisk together all the other ingredients (except the sesame seeds) until they are well combined.
Pour the sauce over your sliced cucumbers and give them a gentil toss to be sure they are all coated.
I like to cover mine and let them marinade in the fridge like this for about an hour or so, but you can of course serve immediately if you’d like.
Just before you are ready to enjoy the dish, sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top and give everything one final toss.