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Gurkensalat

Germany

Gurkensalat is a staple side dish across Germany and Austria, served beside schnitzel, sausages and grilled meats. This oil-and-vinegar version with dill is the classic Bavarian style, and the creamy version with sour cream is called Rahmgurkensalat.

Paper-thin cucumber slices dressed with a sweet-sharp vinegar and oil dressing, finely sliced onion and plenty of fresh dill. A cool, refreshing side that cuts through anything fried.

Authentic Germany Gurkensalat recipe
Prep
15 mins
Cook
0 mins
Difficulty
Easy
Calories
100 kcal
Serves
4
Calories are an estimate based on ingredients used

Ingredients

1large cucumber, about 500g
1 tspsalt
0.5small onion, very thinly sliced
3 tbspwhite wine vinegar
3 tbspsunflower oil
1 tspsugar
1 tbspcold water
2 tbspfresh dill, chopped
pinchblack pepper

Method

1

Slice the cucumber as thinly as you can with a sharp knife or a mandoline. Toss in a bowl with the salt and leave for 10 minutes.

2

Meanwhile, whisk the vinegar, oil, sugar and water together until the sugar has dissolved.

3

Drain the cucumber and press it gently to remove the excess liquid. Return it to the bowl with the sliced onion and dill.

4

Pour over the dressing, add a pinch of pepper and toss. Leave for 15 minutes so the flavours come together, then serve cold.

Chef's Tip

Salting and draining the cucumber stops the salad turning watery. For a creamy version, replace the oil and water with 3 tbsp of sour cream.

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Some recipe photos courtesy of Openverse and Wikimedia Commons contributors, used under Creative Commons licenses.
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