Smashed cucumbers

Contributed by Benjamin Maring, MD


Smashed cucumbers
This recipe is a quick and fun way to add a refreshing side dish to your meal. If you ever come home after a long, busy day and need a little stress relief, try a little cucumber smashing on for size. This is also a great hands-on way to get your younger family members involved in the meal preparation.

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 4 Persian cucumbers, or other small thin-skinned cucumbers
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • A few mint leaves, minced
  • 1 sprig oregano, minced
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Trim the ends of the cucumbers and cut in half lengthwise. Next, cut crosswise or on a bias into 1-inch pieces. With seed-side down, gently smashed the cucumbers with the side of your knife or the heel of your clean hand. 
  2. Leaving some of the seeds on the cutting board, transfer the cucumbers to a bowl and toss with the lemon juice, olive oil, and minced herbs. 
  3. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Nutrition information (per serving)

  • Calories: 50
  • Total fat: 5 g
  • Saturated fat: .5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
  • Sodium: 0 mg
  • Total carbohydrate: 4 g
  • Dietary fiber: 1 g
  • Total sugars: 2 g
  • Protein: 1 g

Does not include added salt