Sichuan Cucumber Salad

The Washington Post, September 5, 2007

• • Course: Salad, Side Dish
• • Features: Fast

Summary:

A cool, easy side dish that goes well with the Beef With Peppers.

3 to 4 servings

Ingredients:

• • 3 to 4 (3 to 4 ounces each) Asian cucumbers
• • 2 teaspoons salt
• • 4 medium cloves garlic, minced
• • 1/2 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorn powder (see NOTE)
• • 1 tablespoon hot bean sauce, such as Szechuan brand
• • 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice wine vinegar
• • 4 teaspoons sugar
• • 1/4 cup dark sesame oil
• • 3 to 4 teaspoons chili oil

Directions:

Trim the ends from the cucumbers and cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds. Cut each half lengthwise into 1/2-inch pieces, then cut each piece crosswise on a slight diagonal into 1-inch lengths. Place the cucumbers in a medium bowl. Toss with the salt; cover loosely and set aside at room temperature for 1 hour or refrigerate for up to 4 hours.

In a medium bowl, combine the garlic, Szechuan peppercorn powder, hot bean sauce, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil and chili oil. Set aside.

Wash the cucumbers in cold water, drain them and dry them well with a paper towel. Return them to their bowl and add the sauce mixture, tossing to combine. Let stand, loosely covered, for 1 hour at room temperature or for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Serve the cucumbers in the liquid, either slightly chilled or at room temperature.

NOTE: To make Szechuan peppercorn powder:

Place whole Szechuan peppercorns in a wok or frying pan over medium heat and toast, stirring constantly, for 5 to 6 minutes. Let the peppercorns cool, then grind them in a blender or coffee grinder. Sift the ground peppercorns to obtain a finer powder. Two tablespoons of Szechuan peppercorns will yield 1 tablespoon of powder.

Recipe Source:

From Fairfax cooking teacher Rebekah Lin Jewell.

184 calories, 17g fat, 2g saturated fat, n/a cholesterol, 160mg sodium, 7g carbohydrates, 1g dietary fiber, n/a sugar, 1g protein.