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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Prep Cucumber: Generously coat cucumber slices with kosher salt in a shallow dish, allowing 30-60 minutes for moisture extraction and flavor concentration.
- Drain and Press: Carefully remove accumulated liquid from salted cucumbers, gently pressing to eliminate excess moisture without compromising their delicate structure.
- Butter Infusion: Melt unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it develops a golden, foamy appearance.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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