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Elegant Julia Child Braised Cucumbers Recipe

Elegant Julia Child Braised Cucumbers Recipe


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4.7 from 36 reviews

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

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

  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