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.

Method

1. Scrub the cucumber with salt, rinse well under running water, drain, cut into chunks, and arrange on a plate.
2. Heat oil and fry the garlic slices until golden and fragrant.
3. Add the sugar, vinegar, and seasoning; bring to a boil.
4. Pour the hot dressing over the cucumber while still hot. Serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

Salt-scrubbing plus the hot dressing gives a good cleaning effect. As a daily habit, Nourilo likes homemade garlic vinegar — 1–2 teaspoons a day, plus a few garlic slices — as a simple way to feel safer in worrying times.