Garlic-Dressed Cold Cucumber

Why people make this dish

Nourilo shared this during a food-safety scare, when people grew nervous about raw vegetables. Years ago he learned from a Japanese chef whose spotless habits stuck with him — including scrubbing cucumbers with salt before slicing. The point of this dish is exactly that: a salt scrub and a pour of hot garlic dressing so you can enjoy cold cucumber and “eat with peace of mind.” Garlic, ginger, and vinegar are traditionally valued for their cleaning, antibacterial quality.