Simple Julia Child Braised Cucumbers Recipe: Elegant Classic

Braised cucumbers by julia child offer a culinary revelation that will make you rethink this humble vegetable forever.

Her ingenious French technique transforms crisp garden cucumbers into luxurious, silky ribbons of pure delight.

Butter works its enchanting magic, infusing each morsel with rich, unexpected depth and complexity.

The gentle cooking process unlocks hidden flavors most home cooks never knew existed in cucumbers.

Delicate herbs and a splash of bright acidity elevate this side dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

What emerges is a sophisticated, melt-in-your-mouth experience that challenges everything you thought you knew about cooking cucumbers.

Let your taste buds embark on an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 129 kcal

Servings: 4

Braised Cucumber Ingredient Breakdown

• Cucumbers: Choose firm, vibrant green cucumbers without soft spots or yellowing for the crispest texture.

• Unsalted Butter: Select high-quality butter with rich, creamy consistency for better flavor development.

• Kosher Salt: Look for clean, coarse crystals that help draw out moisture effectively.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Pick bright green, fragrant leaves without wilting or browning edges.
• Fresh Lemon: Select heavy, glossy lemons with smooth skin for maximum juice extraction.
• Black Pepper: Choose whole peppercorns to grind fresh for intense, robust flavor.

Sauté Tools You’ll Need for Braising

• Cutting Board: Large, sturdy surface for slicing cucumbers safely and cleanly.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for creating uniform 1/2-inch diagonal cucumber slices.
• Large Skillet: Spacious pan for sautéing cucumbers in butter evenly.
• Paper Towels: Absorbent tool to remove excess moisture from cucumber slices.
• Colander or Strainer: Helps drain liquid after salting cucumbers.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring cucumbers while cooking in butter.
• Serving Dish: Attractive plate to present the final warm cucumber side dish.
• Measuring Spoons: For precise seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Citrus Juicer or Lemon Squeezer: Optional tool for extracting fresh lemon juice.

How to Braise Cucumbers French-Style

• Prepare Cucumber Slices

Wash crisp cucumbers and slice diagonally into thin pieces. Toss with a light sprinkle of salt and let sit for about 30 minutes to release extra moisture. Gently pat dry with clean towels to remove excess liquid.

• Create Golden Sauté

Heat a skillet over medium-high flame and melt butter until it sizzles. Carefully slide cucumber pieces into the bubbling pan. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring gently to ensure even browning and develop a delicate, tender texture.

• Elevate with Bright Flavors

Remove cucumbers from heat and transfer to a serving plate. Splash with zesty lemon juice, scatter fresh mint leaves, and dust with a pinch of black pepper. Serve quickly while the dish remains warm to capture the most vibrant taste and delightful texture. This unexpected side transforms humble cucumbers into a sophisticated culinary delight that will surprise and impress anyone at the table.

Subtle Seasoning Tips and Cooking Times

• Boost Cucumber Creativity: Experiment with different herbs like dill or parsley for unique flavor profiles.
• Butter Swap Sensation: Replace butter with olive oil for a lighter, heart-healthy alternative that still delivers delicious results.
• Spice It Up: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a pinch of garlic powder to create a zesty kick that elevates the cucumber's mild taste.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Grate some parmesan or crumble feta cheese over the warm cucumbers for an extra layer of richness and complexity.

When and How to Serve Braised Cucumbers

• Pair with Protein Perfection: Serve these buttery cucumbers alongside grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or pan-seared white fish for a light and refreshing meal complement.
• Craft a Crisp Salad Topper: Sprinkle these warm, tender cucumber slices over mixed green salads to add an unexpected texture and rich, buttery flavor that elevates your greens.
• Create a Mediterranean Mezze Plate: Arrange the sautéed cucumbers on a platter with hummus, olives, feta cheese, and warm pita bread for a delightful Mediterranean-inspired appetizer spread that will impress guests.
• Blend into Herb-Infused Delight: Mix the cooked cucumbers with additional fresh herbs like dill or parsley to create a vibrant, aromatic side dish that brings brightness and complexity to your plate.

Tips for Leftover Cucumber Dishes

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Store sautéed cucumbers in an airtight container within the refrigerator, keeping them delicious for 2-3 days. Coolness helps maintain their tender texture and buttery flavor.
• Reheat with Care: Gently warm leftover cucumber slices in a skillet over low heat to prevent overcooking and maintain their delicate softness. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make them rubbery.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare cucumber slices in advance by salting and draining them earlier in the day. Keep prepared slices refrigerated until ready to sauté, saving precious cooking time during busy evenings.
• Quick Flavor Boosters: Keep extra fresh mint, lemon, and black pepper nearby to refresh leftovers or add a zesty kick when serving reheated cucumbers. These simple additions can instantly revive the dish's original vibrant taste.

Elegant Julia Child Braised Cucumbers Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy French braised cucumbers showcase Julia Child’s culinary mastery with unexpected vegetable elegance. Simple ingredients and classic techniques reveal a delightful side dish you’ll savor with newfound appreciation.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large cucumbers (about 2 cups, sliced)
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) butter
• 1 tbsp (15 g) kosher salt
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
• black pepper (freshly ground, to taste)
• fresh mint leaves (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prep Cucumber: Generously coat cucumber slices with kosher salt in a shallow dish, allowing 30-60 minutes for moisture extraction and flavor concentration.
2. Drain and Press: Carefully remove accumulated liquid from salted cucumbers, gently pressing to eliminate excess moisture without compromising their delicate structure.
3. Butter Infusion: Melt unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it develops a golden, foamy appearance.
4. Sauté Technique: Spread cucumber slices in a single layer across the skillet, cooking for 5-7 minutes with occasional gentle stirring to ensure even caramelization and maintain structural integrity.
5. Finishing Touches: Transfer sautéed cucumbers to a serving dish, then enhance with a bright splash of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of finely chopped mint leaves.
6. Final Seasoning: Conclude by grinding fresh black pepper to taste, allowing diners to personalize the flavor profile of this delicate vegetable preparation.

Notes

• Salting Technique: Helps remove excess water and concentrates cucumber’s natural flavors, creating a more intense taste profile.
• Butter Selection: Use high-quality unsalted butter for optimal browning and rich, clean flavor without salt interference.
• Cooking Surface Matters: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning during delicate sautéing process.
• Temperature Control: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve golden edges without turning cucumbers mushy or breaking down their delicate structure.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 129
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1800 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg