Smashed Cucumber Chow

Smashed Cucumber Chow

At the Guinness x Meatopia event in Dublin, Ireland my interest was piqued by more than just the Guinness and the meat. I was actually introduced to some new salads and sauces as well. This smacked or smashed cucumber chow or salad was done by Chef James Cochran. I had never heard of it before and it tasted really good and so naturally I was inclined to try it but of course, do my own version using more accessible ingredients.

In my research on the dish I found out that smashing the cucumbers actually make them more susceptible to flavors. One thing to note about this recipe is that its not so much about measurements of ingredients, it’s more about the method so you can basically follow this method but make it your own by adding whatever herbs and spices you like.

Ingredients:

• 8 Cucumbers
• 6 Cloves of garlic
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (finely chopped)
• 6 Shadon beni leaves (finely chopped)
• 1/3 cup mustard oil
• 1/3 cup rice wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds
• salt & black pepper to taste

Method:

1. Cover cucumbers with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and smash into pieces
2. Cut pieces into bite sized chunks
3. Place cucumber in a bowl, sprinkle with salt and allow to sit for at least 30 minutes
4. Use a mortar and pestle to crush garlic into a paste
5. Combine garlic, shadon beni, scotch bonnet pepper, black pepper and mustard oil and set aside
6. After 30 minutes drain all liquid from the cucumber
7. Combine with seasoning
8. Add rice wine vinegar and sesame seeds then toss
9. Cover and set aside in the refrigerator for a couple hours or overnight
10. Enjoy