Crushed cucumbers with cashew nuts

6 servings

20 minutes

Crushed cucumbers with cashew nuts are a refreshing and spicy dish from Pan-Asian cuisine. This salad impresses with a vibrant contrast of textures: crunchy cucumbers, toasted sesame seeds, and soft, creamy cashews. The crushed cucumbers absorb the flavorful dressing made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, coriander, lime juice, and spicy chili well. As a result, the dish has a layered taste – first the light sweetness of cane sugar, then the mild heat of ginger and chili complemented by nutty and fresh herbal notes of cilantro. This dish is perfect as a standalone appetizer or as a side to meat or fish dishes. It can be served at a summer dinner or included in an Asian feast menu – it always delights with its lightness and rich flavor.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 85.7
• Proteins: 2.4g
• Fats: 5.8g
• Carbohydrates: 5.9g

Ingredients

• Cucumbers: 3 pc
• Cashew: 20 g
• Sesame seeds: 10 g
• Sesame oil: 1 tsp
• Pumpkin seed oil: 1 tsp
• Oyster sauce: 1 tsp
• Green onions: to taste
• Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
• Rice vinegar: 2 tbsp
• Coriander seeds: pinch
• Fresh cilantro (coriander): 1 sprig
• Lime juice: 1 tsp
• Cane sugar: 1 tsp
• Chili pepper: to taste
• Ginger: to taste
• Garlic: 1 clove

Cooking steps

1. Cut the cucumbers into quarters. Place each with the seeds down and smash with a knife until crunchy. You can wrap them in plastic beforehand. Then, cut the remaining cucumbers diagonally into diamonds. Place in a deep salad bowl.

   Required ingredients:

   • Cucumbers: 3 pieces

2. Chop the chili pepper. Cut the ginger into strips. Add to the cucumbers. You can also add green pepper. Squeeze juice from half a lime.

   Required ingredients:

   • Chili pepper:  to taste
   • Ginger:  to taste
   • Lime juice: 1 teaspoon

3. Heat a handful of coriander in a pan, grind it in a mortar with a teaspoon of sugar until powdered. Add to the cucumbers.

   Required ingredients:

   • Coriander seeds:  pinch
   • Cane sugar: 1 teaspoon

4. Add two tablespoons of soy sauce, one of rice vinegar, and a spoonful of any aromatic oil. Mix everything.

   Required ingredients:

   • Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
   • Rice vinegar: 2 tablespoons
   • Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
   • Pumpkin seed oil: 1 teaspoon

5. To taste, add a handful of any nuts (preferably cashews), a handful of cilantro leaves, and a handful of sesame seeds (which can also be warmed beforehand).

   Required ingredients:

   • Cashew: 20 g
   • Fresh cilantro (coriander): 1 sprig
   • Sesame seeds: 10 g

6. At the end, sprinkle a handful of finely chopped green onions on top and pour in a tablespoon of oyster sauce, if available.

   Required ingredients:

   • Green onions:  to taste
   • Oyster sauce: 1 teaspoon