Fragrant Water Parsley and Cucumber Salad: A Refreshing Spring Vegetable Side Dish
Fragrant Water Parsley and Cucumber Salad: A Refreshing Spring Vegetable Side Dish
Water Parsley and Cucumber Salad: A Spring Vegetable Side Dish Harmonizing Different Ingredients and Cooking Methods
A spring vegetable side dish where blanched water parsley and salted cucumber are combined. This dish offers a delightful contrast of textures and a refreshing taste, perfect for the spring season.
Main Ingredients- 120g blanched water parsley
- 1 cucumber
- Coarse salt (for pickling cucumber), to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the cucumber. Wash the cucumber thoroughly, slice it thinly into half-moons, and toss it with coarse salt to pickle for about 15-20 minutes. Once the cucumber has softened slightly, drain it well by squeezing out the excess water. It’s best not to rinse the cucumber after pickling to maintain its saltiness and flavor.
Step 2
Now, let’s prepare the water parsley. Remove any yellow or wilted leaves, and rinse it thoroughly under running water several times. Bring a pot of water to a boil with a pinch of coarse salt. Once boiling, add the water parsley, starting with the stems, and blanch for just about 20-30 seconds. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become mushy. For easier handling, you can tie the water parsley into a bundle before blanching to help maintain its shape.
Step 3
Immediately after blanching, rinse the water parsley in cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Squeeze out any excess water thoroughly. Then, cut the water parsley into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm in length.
Step 4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared water parsley and the squeezed cucumber. Add the chopped scallions and minced garlic to enhance the aroma.
Step 5
Add 1 teaspoon of crab stick soy sauce (or soup soy sauce) and gently mix, focusing on coating the water parsley first so it absorbs the seasoning. If the flavor needs adjustment, add a tiny pinch of coarse salt to taste.
Step 6
Now, add the pickled cucumber to the bowl and gently toss everything together. Be careful not to mash the cucumber while mixing.
Step 7
Finally, add 1 teaspoon of plum extract and 1 teaspoon of vinegar for a refreshing touch, and mix gently once more to finish. The plum extract and vinegar are optional ingredients; they add a sweet and tangy flavor, while omitting them allows the natural savory taste of the ingredients to shine. Drizzle a little sesame oil and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for extra nuttiness and visual appeal. Enjoy your delicious dish!
