Cucumber Recipes To Make This Summer

Oh how we Israelis love our cucumbers.

Year round we are blessed with the perfect lovely crop, that special variety often referred to as Lebanese or Israeli or Persian cucumbers in North America. This variety is small and firm, lacking excess water or bitter skin. We eat them whole, sliced, most classically chopped along with our other national vegetable treasure, the tomato, lightly dressed with a splash of good quality olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

When people in America get an abundance of cucumbers from their CSA and ask What Can I Do With A Lot of Cucumbers? We say, tons!

Uniquely, cucumbers here in Israel are are regular if not expected addition to most sandwiches. An on the go grab from any bakery or cafe, classic tuna, egg, cheese and such, will likely include cucumber slices, often replacing leafy greens adding special crunch and flavor.

Working equally well as a featured ingredient and as an accent to other flavor profiles, the humble cucumber can be elevated to its highest form in easy to prepare elegant sandwich combinations ideal for a festive brunch or even a light dinner.

CUCUMBER AND WATERCRESS TEA FINGER SANDWICHES

In England you can find these cute and dainty tea sandwiches with cucumber added. Great for kids and those who prefer something light and low on flavor.

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I wanted to show you how we can enliven this traditional high tea finger food.

DRUZE LAFFA WITH PRESERVED LEMONS, CUCUMBERS, AND LABNEH CHEESE

This amazing combo can be found in many of the open markets around Israel. Often the thin druze pita is topped with tabbouleh, but I love adding thick slices of cucumber and flavorful preserved lemon for a unique version that feels a little gourmet.

SMOKED SALMON AND CUCUMBER RUSKS WITH CREAMY MUSTARD AND DILL SAUCE

For this sandwich the cucumber is more of a garnish but still an essential part of this delicious sandwich.

TZATZIKI WITH CUCUMBER JUICE PULP

This dip doesn’t let any cucumber go to waste. Mix leftover cucumber pulp into a flavorful tzatziki sauce. Since most of the liquid went into the cucumber juice, the pulp won’t water down this dip.

PERSIAN CUCUMBER SALAD

MELON CUCUMBER SALAD

CUCUMBER GAZPACHO

CHILLED CUUCMBER MELON SOUP

CUCUMBER TOFU ROLLS

CUCUMBER SALAD WITH ALMOND BUTTER DRESSING

CUCUMBER SALAD WITH BBQ TOFU

FERMENTED KOSHER SOUR PICKLES

With all these recipes handy you will be praying for more cucumbers to come your way.